Plea to expand probe

Aged care inquiry call

GOLD Coast MP Ros Bates is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into aged care to extend beyond the Earle Haven crisis on the Gold Coast and include State-run nursing homes.

Ms Bates, a registered nurse and Opposition health spokesperson, has written to parliamentary health committee chair Aaron Harper after reports about serious complaints surrounding government facilities.

“Disappointingly Queensland Health would not confirm which facilities were the subject of the complaints, the complaints resolution process or the outcomes of investigations,” Ms Bates wrote.

“Your inquiry is required to investigate and ensure our most vulnerable elderly Queenslanders, who’ve worked hard all their lives, are treated with dignity and respect.

“I therefore write requesting these failures, particularly as they pertain to facilities managed by Queensland Health, form part of your inquiry.”

Ms Bates told the Bulletin she welcomed the inquiry being expanded to include Earle Haven where the nursing wing’s sudden closure in late July forced the evacuation of 71 frail and elderly residents.

“I welcome any inquiry into Earle Haven but if you are going to be fair, you have to have an investigation into the State-owned nursing homes,” Ms Bates said.

“There were 16, and 16 complaints. One was about sexual assault. Two of the State-run facilities last year failed to meet standards.”

The parliamentary committee can consider her request next Monday before Parliament sits, but Ms Bates fears a vote on party lines will mean