Audit finds aged care failures

A REVIEW of how a Tasmanian aged care home dealt with an influenza outbreak which killed six residents has found the facility failed to meet all its accreditation standards.

The Strathdevon nursing home at Latrobe was one of 21 in the state affected by flu outbreaks in August as one of the worst flu seasons took its toll.

Uniting AgeWell chief executive Andrew Kinnersly said the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency did an audit of the Strathdevon facility with a focus on how it managed the outbreak. The agency found the facility had failed to meet five of the 44 standards.

The home will retain its accreditation and undergo a reaccreditation audit in March next year.

“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, families and the community,” Mr Kinnersly said.

In response to the findings, a nurse adviser has since been employed to lead staff, more cleaners and clinical workers have been hired, increased outbreak management education conducted and communication lines for residents and families have been strengthened, Uniting AgeWell said.