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The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is so concerned about the handling of the coronavirus outbreak at Sydney's Newmarch House, it is considering revoking its licence.
Key points:
- The Aged Care Commission said it is looking at four breaches of quality standards
- Daily testing of staff is now under way at Newmarch House
- There have been 66 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff and residents
Sixteen residents of the Anglicare-run aged care facility have died after contracting COVID-19.
The Commission said it was concerned about the lack of information being provided to patients and their families, and the lack of suitable processes in place to control transmission of the virus at the facility.
The Commission has also identified four key areas where operator Anglicare may have breached Aged Care Quality Standards.
They are: patient dignity and choice; personal and clinical care; ongoing planning with residents; and organisational governance.
Anglicare has been given until 5pm on Thursday to respond to the Commission's concerns and appoint an independent adviser to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.
It also has to agree not to admit any new residents until a "serious risk to care recipients … has been effectively addressed".
"The Commission has identified that there is an immediate and severe risk to the health, safety and wellbeing of care recipients at the Service," it said its notice posted on Wednesday.
As of Wednesday there have been 66 confirmed COVID-19 cases at Newmarch House, 29 staff and 37 residents.
Daily testing began last weekend.
The Western Sydney aged care home has been in lockdown since mid-April after a staff member who tested positive to coronavirus worked six shifts while showing symptoms of the deadly virus.
Anglicare Sydney CEO Grant Millard said it acknowledged the regulatory action of the Commission and the appointment of a independent adviser.
"While the outbreak at Newmarch House has proved very challenging for all involved, the situation has substantially improved.
"We will continue to collaborate with key stakeholders as we work through the continuing challenges in the coming weeks.
"Our primary concern remains the health, wellbeing and safety of our residents, their families, and our staff."
The office of the Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck said it acknowledged the action being taken by the Commission.
It said the action announced on Wednesday "provides support to Anglicare in the form of additional capacity supporting the oversight of Newmarch".
It said there had been "no limit" placed on the Government resources provided to Anglicare to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Government said it had taken action in bringing in a team experienced in managing the outbreak in an aged care system and brought in support to boost communication to families of residents.
It said it will continue to provide support to Anglicare and Newmarch in light of the Commission's announcement on Wednesday.
"All actions we have taken have been in the interests of residents and their families at Newmarch," the office said.
