Put the 'care' back into aged care system - AMA
Today's report in the Sydney Morning Herald of filthy conditions and unauthorised surgery in a Sydney nursing home highlights the need for urgent action to attract and keep trained staff in the sector, AMA Aged Care Committee Chairman, Dr Gerald Segal, said today.
The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency cut the accreditation/licensing period for the home in half to one year, citing that 'the internal monitoring of care, and food and cleaning services, fell into disuse'.
"Along with the need to attract more GPs to nursing homes on a regular basis, the biggest primary health care need in nursing homes is reliable trained nursing staff.
"The shortage of qualified nursing staff in the aged care sector has reached epidemic proportions.
"Nursing homes need the red tape associated with bureaucratic care plans cut to allow nurses to concentrate on nursing.
"Our new Minister for Health and Ageing must ensure that the care is put back into the aged care system," Dr Segal said.
CONTACT: Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076