Nov 01, 2019

Sobering report shines light on need for greater leadership and accountability

The release of the interim report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is a sobering account of how Australia has let down some of its most vulnerable, calling out a lack of leadership and accountability from Government and industry.

Every aged care resident deserves safety and the highest standard of care ‒ every day, without exception. Aged care is more than just about care, it’s about supporting and enabling quality of life.

The first step in building a robust, compassionate industry of the future, is for Government to urgently develop a long-term and holistic plan for aged care in Australia, setting the goal posts for the industry and the foundations to reach them.

The Aged Care Guild has called on Government for a plan and they have ignored the warning signs. Spanning multiple Ministers and changes in leadership, Government has had numerous reviews, reports and solutions on its desk.

Aged Care Guild CEO, Matthew Richter says the aged care system today would look very different had Government taken action on previous recommendations.

“Government has failed their role as system stewards. A lack of vision and unstable regulatory settings, combined with fragmented policy development and poor program implementation, undermine continuous quality improvement and the delivery of consistent quality care that all senior Australians need and deserve,” said Mr Richter.

While Government must step-up and set the plan as system stewards, the Aged Care Guild recognises the issues in aged care are industry wide, and as such, requires a whole-of-industry solution.

“We all have a role to play. It is important the sector galvanises around the Royal Commission to drive the radical transformation of aged care that is clearly needed,” said Mr Richter.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Aged care advocate to visit Bupa nursing homes

The advocate whose efforts ultimately led to the royal commission has been told he can visit Bupa nursing homes. On Monday, aged care advocate Stewart Johnston flew to Melbourne to meet with senior Bupa management, including Managing Director, Suzanne Dvorak, and Director of Corporate Affairs, Roger Sharp. According to Bupa, at the meeting it was agreed... Read More

Why are older people more prone to developing urinary infections?

Urinary tract infections are a common problem for older people. While most women will develop a UTI at some time during their adult lives, men over the age of 50 are also particularly at risk.   UTIs account for 1.2 per cent of all GP consultations. In Australia, three were more than 73,000 hospitalisations for... Read More

Nurses on the Run: Healthy Snacks on the Go

The role of a Nurse is ever-changing and any shift can bring a multitude of tasks that can leave you flat out with little time to break for a snack or a meal. It takes a special kind of person to be a nurse and that selflessness can see you putting your clients’ needs before... Read More
Advertisement