A Federal review into influenza deaths at two aged care facilities including a Latrobe aged care home where six residents died, has revealed errors in infection control and other shortcomings.
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The audit found poor facility management and low staff vaccinations at Uniting Agewell Strathdevon Aged Care Home at Latrobe and St John’s Retirement Village Hostel at Wangaratta, where deadly influenza outbreaks were reported during winter. Federal Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt ordered the review by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency of the two homes.
“These review audits reveal management errors, especially in infection control at the two sites,” Mr Wyatt said.
“The flu season affected aged care residents and staff and the homes’ infection control and contingency plans were overwhelmed but it was unacceptable.
“Staff vaccination rates in both homes were low, with only around one-third vaccinated ahead of the outbreaks, and dozens of staff were subsequently struck down with the flu.”
In response, Health Minister Greg Hunt has moved to make it mandatory for aged care facilities to implement flu vaccination programs for staff.
The review found at both sites, the homes’ management did not provide enough additional support and the professional guidance required to cope with the outbreak.
Uniting Agewell chief executive Andrew Kinnersly has apologised and said gaps would be rectified. The review showed Strathdevon failed to meet five of 44 expected outcomes. The facility will undergo a reaccreditation audit in March.
“I sincerely regret we did not meet the standards in all respects and unreservedly apologise for failing to meet the expectations of the Agency, residents and families and the community,” Mr Kinnersly said.
“Uniting AgeWell has taken decisive action to ensure identified gaps are immediately rectified. This includes the appointment of a nurse advisor to lead staff at the site; the appointment of additional clinical and cleaning staff; increased outbreak management education for all staff; and strengthened communication and feedback mechanisms for residents and families.
“We have also met with residents and families to explain the findings of the Agency review and detail how we are responding to the issues raised.”
He said he was confident the facility would return to full compliance in coming weeks.
Mr Wyatt said the Agency is reviewing infection control practices, including a mandatory survey of all aged care facilities’ outbreak management and staff vaccination rates, due next week.