Chris Oldfield, Naracoorte Community News
State health and wellbeing minister Chris Picton is seeking regular updates on the care and safety standards at Moreton Bay House, as well as its staffing.
His intervention follows Commonwealth sanctions placed against the 41 bed aged care facility.
Mount Gambier based Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) – named as the provider of services – is banned from getting funding for any new residents at Moreton Bay House for at least three months.
The provider failed at Moreton Bay House 19 of 42 requirements listed under eight national standards for aged care – as previously reported by The News.
“It is vital (that) appropriate care is provided to some of our most vulnerable and these breaches of standards are clearly disappointing,” Mr Picton said.
“The Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) has committed to improving services for residents immediately.
“I will be requiring regular updates on how their quality of care and safety is being met while ensuring the nursing home is sufficiently staffed.
“Serious questions remain for the former Liberal Government on how the situation was able to get to this point.
“Fixing these problems is a priority and the LHN will work closely with families throughout the process.”
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said the Naracoorte Hospital and Moreton Bay House have been seeking funds to upgrade the infra-structure for a number of years, running into decades.
“I have to acknowledge the previous Liberal Government’s funding of $3.5m and now the new State Labor Government’s promise of $8m – which will go a long way to improving the Naracoorte facility.
“However, these are small amounts when there is so much to upgrade.
“This sad and disappointing outcome for Moreton Bay may be on the back of a lack of funding towards upgrades, and keeping the facility to the highest standard for which society is accustomed, and expects for its aged care.”
Mr McBride said he was concerned about Moreton Bay not meeting service and management standards for its residents.
“Whilst it is concerning for residents and their families’ I am advised that Moreton Bay House will remain open and is committed to implementing immediate changes to rectify the issues.”
Meanwhile, some high level meetings involving residents and their families were expected to be held this week. Naracoorte’s other facility Longridge Aged Care – which is community owned and locally managed – has the highest ranking possible for an aged care facility following a series of audits over several years.
This article appeared in Naracoorte Community News.
Related stories: Commonwealth sanctions against Moreton Bay House; Provider fails 19 requirements for Moreton Bay residents.
