Sep 03, 2020

Queensland at risk as COVID-19 case recorded in aged care

News of a positive Covid-19 test by an aged care worker in Laidley in South East Queensland highlights the risks aged care workers are facing every day they go to work, United Workers Union’s aged care director Carolyn Smith said today.

“Our thoughts are with the residents, families and workers of the affected facility after this terrible news today,” Ms Smith said.

“We have seen how devastating coronavirus can be inside aged care.

“What we need to see now from the Queensland and Federal Governments is that lessons have been learned from the aged care disasters in NSW and Victoria.”

Ms Smith said these lessons include:

  • Availability and use of adequate personal protective equipment.
  • Provision of specialist infection control teams.
  • Consideration of speedy removal to hospital of any resident affected by coronavirus.
  • Provision of a trained and adequate alternative workforce if workers are forced to quarantine.

“We will be seeking urgent meetings with the Queensland Government emphasising that no effort should be spared in protecting workers and residents from the effects of this deadly virus,” Ms Smith said.

“What Victoria showed us was there was no national plan to protect aged care workers or residents in the face of coronavirus – we need to see swift action to assure us lessons have been learned.

“We are contacting affected workers to make sure their concerns are given the attention and respect they deserve.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

No, the extra hygiene precautions we’re taking for COVID-19 won’t weaken our immune systems

During the COVID-19 pandemic we’re constantly being reminded to practise good hygiene by frequently washing our hands and regularly cleaning the spaces where we live and work. These practices aim to remove or kill the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and thereby minimise our risk of infection. But there have been some suggestions using hand sanitiser and practising other hygiene measures too often could weaken our immune system, by reducing our body’s exposure to germs and with it the chance to “train” our immune defences. Read More

Care sector in crisis: The urgency to recruit retired nurses

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Sydney’s hospital system will come under increasing pressure until October. With the system already stretched thin, NSW Health is looking at a raft of different measures to increase staffing levels. Read More

Residents face altered reality as Victorian nursing homes emerge from crisis

  COVID-19 infection numbers are starting to fall in Victorian aged care homes, and restrictions are slowly easing. But geriatrician Jesse Zanker is concerned about how residents will cope with the altered reality they will have to face during their first meal served back in the dining room. “Residents have lost a lot of people they... Read More
Advertisement