Media statement from Andrew Kinnersly, CEO Uniting AgeWell

RE Strathdevon Aged Care Facility

Tuesday 14 November 2017

The Australian Aged Care Quality Agency undertook a review of our Strathdevon aged care facility in Latrobe in September 2017 in relation to the Influenza A outbreak management during August – the worst flu season witnessed across Australia in many years and a very difficult time for people in aged care.

Agency assessors conducted a full audit with a particular focus on the management of the influenza outbreak. The Agency determined the Latrobe facility had failed to meet five of the 44 expected outcomes required across the four Accreditation Standards. It also determined that the facility will retain its current accreditation status and undergo a reaccreditation audit in March 2018.

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.

Following a thorough review of operational management and practices at Strathdevon, 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.

A follow up review to check progress against the plan for continuous improvement conducted by the Agency on 8 November provided positive feedback. We are confident the facility will return to full compliance in the coming weeks.

Uniting AgeWell has a proud history of providing the highest quality of care to over 1400 residents at our 20 aged care facilities across Victoria and Tasmania. Resident safety and the quality of care they receive is our highest priority and central to everything we do. All of our homes are fully accredited with a strong track record for providing the highest standard of care.

Our utmost concern continues to be for the wellbeing of our residents and their families. Our management team is working hard to support the Strathdevon team to ensure we continue to provide the quality of care that residents, families and the community have a right to expect.