A nursing home owned and operated by one of Australia’s largest aged care providers, Bupa, has reportedly failed 35 of the 44 quality standards set by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency.
As we reported last month, the Department of Health determined that Bupa Berry posed a “severe risk” to residents, and sanctions were imposed, meaning new residents not could be admitted for six months.
Administrators, trainers and advisors also had to be appointed at the operator’s own expense to rectify the identified problems.
The My Aged Care noted “serious concerns” about seven failed standards at the facility including human resource management, clinical care, medication management, skin care, behavioural management, and mobility, and dexterity and rehabilitation, among others.
However, a media report in the South Coast Register says it has obtained documents showing that 35 of the 44 quality standards weren’t met.
The most recent audit report for Bupa Berry is not available on the AACQA site. Operators are given time to respond to audits to allow for ‘procedural fairness’, which can sometimes delay the publishing of audit reports.
We are concerned that during this period, only incomplete audit and quality information is available to the public, meaning consumers may be making decisions based on incomplete data.
Bupa now has six aged care facilities under sanction, and ten facilities with current notices of non-compliance, according to the My Aged Care site.
A Bupa spokesperson told HelloCare it was sorry that sanctions had been imposed at Bupa Berry.
“Bupa apologises to our Berry care home residents and their families, following sanctions being placed on the home by the Department of Health.
“Bupa is committed to making significant improvements at the home and regaining the trust of our residents and their families.
“This does not represent the high standards of aged care that Bupa stands for and that our residents deserve.
“We are working with the Department to address the issues detailed in their report, and we will be keeping residents and their families informed as we progress.”
Bupa said it is complying with the Health Department’s sanction requirements.
“Bupa Berry will not be admitting new residents for the next six months, as we focus on our current residents. Independent advisors have been appointed to help us work through the issues identified by the Quality Agency, and we are in the process of making the necessary improvements.”
The spokesperson also said the company is “putting a dedicated recruitment team in place to add more employees to Bupa Berry”.
Bupa Aged Care operates more than 70 facilities around Australia and has more than 6,700 residents.
Bupa Aged Care is a subsidiary of UK-based Bupa, a global healthcare organisation with operations in 190 companies.
Bupa said any residents or family who have concerns about Bupa to contact them on 1800 804 888 or email bupaagedcarefeedback@bupa.com.au.
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