Conflict over management and confusion over policy increased the dangers for aged care residents and staff at one of Australia's earliest coronavirus outbreaks, according to a new report into the deaths at Newmarch House | CroweDM
"Some of these issues were clarified by a COVID-19 Outbreak Management Plan, the third and final version of which was completed on 21 April 2020 but not before the confusion, lack of clarity about the hierarchy of authority, unstable internal leadership and inadequate human and physical resources had taken an enormous toll on Newmarch House residents, their families, staff and managers.
But when all residents and staff were tested in the days after the first outbreak, revealing that 16 were infected, the facility had to furlough 40 of its 90 staff. The finding counters federal government claims the sudden withdrawal of staff at Victorian centres, including St Basil's in Melbourne in July,Professor Gilbert is an infectious diseases physician and an honorary professor at the University of Sydney, while Professor Lilly is an adjunct professor at the Australian Catholic University and a registered nurse by background.
The report, based on interviews with managers, staff and residents' families, found some agency staff had no infection control training at Newmarch House and additional nurses from Aspen Medical were not "credentialed" with similar skills. "Early in the outbreak, after their own stocks of PPE were rapidly depleted, Anglicare had difficulty acquiring adequate supplies from the national medical stockpile or NSW Health," the report says.
The report found the Anglicare board and executives were aware of the risks of a COVID-19 outbreak in early March and started additional training as well as developing plans for PPE and a surge workforce, basing their work on state and federal guidelines.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Independent review reveals Newmarch house situation was 'disorganised and chaotic' | Sky News AustraliaA report produced by the Independent Review into Newmarch House has identified serious failures in regards to infection prevention, communication with families of residents and addressing staff shortages at the facility. \n\nA coronavirus outbreak which wreaked havoc at the Newmarch House aged care facility in western Sydney was the subject of an investigation following the deaths of 19 elderly residents.\n\nThe report states the situation within the facility was “disorganised and chaotic” while “family members felt disempowered, helpless and let down as they found it difficult to make contact with the home.” \n\nLabor was expected to go hard on the government’s handling on the aged care crisis on Monday afternoon during question time at Parliament. \n\nAged Care Minister Richard Colbeck issued a statement saying they were continuing to incorporate the lessons learned in Newmarch into the government’s ongoing response to the coronavirus crisis. \n\nImage: News Corp Australia
Read more »
US House of Representatives votes to deliver billions in funding to postal serviceAmid concerns about the United States Postal Service's ability to handle postal voting for the November presidential election, the US House of Representatives votes to provide the cash-strapped organisation with US$25 billion.
Read more »
US House passes $25 billion postal service funding boost amidst mail-in voting disputeA rare sitting of the US House of Representatives has passed a Democrat-led bill 257-150, including 26 Republicans votes, giving the US Postal Service an emergency funding boost less than three months out from the presidential election, which is set to see high mail-in voting.
Read more »
Melania Trump dragged on social media for White House Rose Garden renovationMelania Trump unveiled her latest White House improvement project overnight - but once again, her efforts have been mocked.
Read more »
Do I need to wear a mask? Who is allowed in my house? Five key points on the Brisbane COVID-19 clusterEveryone in Queensland should consider wearing a mask if they are in a crowded situation they can't get out of, the state's Chief Health Officer says, as testing into the source of the Brisbane cluster is expected to be found out this week.
Read more »
Independent review reveals Newmarch house situation was 'disorganised and chaotic' | Sky News AustraliaA report produced by the Independent Review into Newmarch House has identified serious failures in regards to infection prevention, communication with families of residents and addressing staff shortages at the facility. \n\nA coronavirus outbreak which wreaked havoc at the Newmarch House aged care facility in western Sydney was the subject of an investigation following the deaths of 19 elderly residents.\n\nThe report states the situation within the facility was “disorganised and chaotic” while “family members felt disempowered, helpless and let down as they found it difficult to make contact with the home.” \n\nLabor was expected to go hard on the government’s handling on the aged care crisis on Monday afternoon during question time at Parliament. \n\nAged Care Minister Richard Colbeck issued a statement saying they were continuing to incorporate the lessons learned in Newmarch into the government’s ongoing response to the coronavirus crisis. \n\nImage: News Corp Australia
Read more »