Chris Oldfield, Naracoorte Community News
Meals of “mashed mush” and “baby food”, people left on toilets, others often feeling cold and rooms not cleaned properly are some of the sad tales from residents and their families of Moreton Bay House.
Further anecdotes are of some “lovely carers and cleaners” being stretched unfairly and overburdened by massive workloads.
And, some of those problems are amplified by the coronavirus pandemic.
The News has now spoken to several people – residents and their families and friends – about a raft of problems which saw the aged care facility fall into disrepute, failing 19 of 42 requirements listed under eight Commonwealth standards.
The Commonwealth provides funding for 30 residents, and the state funds 11 more at the 41 bed Moreton Bay Aged care facility, which is attached to the Naracoorte Hospital.
On May 24 the Commonwealth Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission imposed sanctions on Moreton Bay stating “there is an immediate and severe risk to the safety, health or wellbeing” of residents.
It listed the provider as the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN).
But neither the LCLHN, Member for Barker Tony Pasin, Health Minister Chris Picton or SA Health are able to provide The News with the amount of taxpayer funds received by LCLHN to care for our residents at Moreton Bay.
Nor are they able to provide The News – which has been asking questions for several weeks – with how much is actually spent by the LCLHN on providing care for our residents at Moreton Bay.
One of SA Health’s media advisers issued a statement on behalf of the LCLHN which said the care and wellbeing of residents was a priority.
“We are working to ensure they are happy and comfortable at Moreton Bay House and feel confident in the level of care they receive,” the SA Health statement says.
“Recent improvements to Moreton Bay House include upgrades to the dining area with a new kitchen to enhance meals and increase meal enjoyment for residents.”
An outdoor dining area will also be established “to support family visits, and the purchase of suction units for clinical safety”.
“Further improvements include the addition of blanket warmers to support comfort and sleep, and the installation of a cinema-style television for resident enjoyment,” the statement says.
“We are ensuring residents and families of Moreton Bay House are informed of all progress being made.
“Funding is allocated globally according to expected occupancy and average activity the previous year.”
The LCLHN met on May 30, and Moreton Bay House was not listed on the agenda.
Minutes of that meeting are not yet publicly available on the SA Health website.
The June 27 meeting agenda mentions Moreton Bay House.
LCLHN executive director of nursing and midwifery Dr Darren Clarke and Naracoorte based executive officer/director of nursing and midwifery, Pam Schubert are listed to give a verbal report to the meeting about the aged care facility.
This article appeared in Naracoorte Community News.
Related stories: Moreton Bay: Minister and McBride seek updates; Commonwealth sanctions against Moreton Bay House; Provider fails 19 requirements for Moreton Bay residents
