The operators of a coronavirus-hit western Sydney aged care home have until the end of the day to agree to conditions set out by the federal aged care regulator or face having its licence revoked.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on Wednesday wrote to operator Anglicare threatening to revoke its licence arguing there's "an immediate and severe risk to the health, safety and wellbeing of care recipients" at its Newmarch House nursing home.
The commission said it was intervening "due to the seriousness of the outbreak of COVID-19" at the nursing home near Penrith.
The action comes as more staff at the facility tested positive for the virus this week. A total of 16 residents have died at the facility, and 37 residents and 29 staff have so far tested positive to COVID-19.
The commission demanded Anglicare agree to steps including the appointment of an independent adviser, or face having its licence to operate revoked.
Another condition is that it does not admit any new residents "until it can demonstrate ... that the serious risk to care recipients at the service has been effectively addressed".
Anglicare has to agree to the new conditions by Thursday evening.
In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Anglicare Sydney chief executive Grant Millard said: "We acknowledge the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission have, this afternoon, taken regulatory action, including appointing an independent adviser to provide additional support to Newmarch House.
"Since the outbreak, we have had generous support of providers in the aged care sector, including Commonwealth and NSW governments, and various agencies.
"While the outbreak at Newmarch House has proved very challenging for all involved, the situation has substantially improved. We will continue to collaborate with key stakeholders as we work through the continuing challenges in the coming weeks.
"Our primary concern remains the health, wellbeing and safety of our residents, their families, and our staff."
Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck said on Wednesday this latest regulatory action was the third step in providing support to Anglicare, in the form of additional capactity supporting the oversight of Newmarch House
"When Anglicare were unable to maintain adequate staffing the government stepped in and provided the resources to bring numbers to a level required to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. There has been no limit placed on these resources," Mr Colbeck said.
The Government said it had taken action in bringing in a team experienced in managing the outbreak in an aged care system and brought in support to boost communication to families of residents.
A royal commission into aged care will also look at the impact of coronavirus on aged care and the COVID-19 deaths at other nursing homes.
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Geraldine Cardozo
Features Editor at The Senior.
Features Editor at The Senior.
