MULTIPLE inquiries are continuing into the deaths of five palliative residents of a Townsville nursing home which has since been re-accredited by Australia's aged care quality agency despite it failing vital standards of care and a warning of residents being at "serious risk".
The Queensland Police, Coroner and Health Ombudsman are investigating the deaths, which were reported to them by the management of Carinity Fairfield Grange in November following a complaint from a staff member.
Three registered nurses have been sacked for not fulfilling their duty of care and a doctor is also the subject of a report.
Following the deaths, the nursing home, run by the Baptist Union of Queensland, was re-audited by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency in December and despite a subsequent report saying that failures have "placed, or may place, the safety, health or wellbeing of a care recipient of the service at serious risk", was given a new one-year accreditation in January.
The facility failed six "expected outcomes", including clinical care, medication management and palliative care.
A previous audit in May last year found the home failed one outcome - skin care - which was addressed by management and the home was given a three-year accreditation.
Carinity chief executive Jon Campbell has affirmed there is "no risk to residents at Fairfield Grange".
A joint statement from chief executives Pat Sparrow of Aged and Community Services Australia, which represents not-for-profit aged services providers, and Sean Rooney from Leading Age Services Australia, which represents providers of age services across residential care, home care and retirement living, said everyone within the industry had a role to play in maintaining and improving on standards in quality care and service.
"We recognise the challenges faced by providers striving every day to deliver care that consistently meets the standards and expectations of residents and the community," the statement says.
"Age services providers, government and the wider community all share a desire for a high-performing aged care sector.
"Failures identified must be addressed to retain the confidence across older Australians, their families and the communities concerned.
"We work closely with our memberships to provide support to facilities seeking this continuous improvement."
Ms Sparrow and Mr Rooney said the industry was working closely with the government on the rollout of a single aged care quality framework and progression towards a new independent aged care commission.
"Australia's current quality framework is resulting in the overwhelming majority of Australians in aged care and their families receiving high quality care, support and services that meet national standards," Mr Rooney said.
Agency axed
THE Australian Aged Care Quality Agency was axed in mid-February following its failure to act and protect vulnerable dementia patients at Adelaide's Oakden aged care facility.
Patients were subjected to serious abuse over several years despite complaints from staff and family.
An inquiry and report into Oakden recommended the agency be replaced by a commission.
Expressing his extreme sadness over the residents' deaths, Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt said the provision of safe, quality care was non-negotiable.
"Any abuse is unacceptable and the Department of Health is continuing to closely monitor the welfare of care recipients," he said.
Mr Wyatt said the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner would examine whether Carinity has taken "appropriate actions".
Family or friends who have any concerns about Fairfield Grange or any other aged care home should contact the commissioner on 1800-550-552.
