Further tragedy in aged care is likely unless all initial coronavirus cases are immediately transferred to hospital.
So says Aged and Community Services Australia in a blunt warning to governments anxious to avoid a repeat of Victoria's COVID-19 crisis.
"With clusters and community transmission continuing and likely for months to come, we need policies that protect aged care residents in the long term," said Patricia Sparrow, chief executive of the peak body for non-profit aged care providers
"Aged care homes are not hospitals. They aren't staffed like hospitals. They are not funded like hospitals. They are homes.
"Without the immediate transfer of all first cases in aged care to hospital we could see a repeat of the immense tragedy unfolding in Victorian aged care elsewhere.
Ms Sparrow said this policy, which had been adopted in SA, should be taken up in all states and territories,
She described as "ridiculous" the notion that aged care homes could contain such virus without the full support of the health system.
She said aged care homes operate on only a fraction of the resources available to hospitals.
"The average aged care funding of $265 per resident per day is significantly less than the approximately $1200 per day payment in sub-acute care, with acute care funded at an even higher amount.
"It's great that additional state and federal resources go into aged care once there is an outbreak but in reality that can be too late.
"Hospital transfer from aged care provides the best possible medical care but it is just as important in order to stop the virus spreading to other residents and prevent tragedy. "
Other preventive measures that should be put in place include regular testing for all aged care staff with a fast turnaround on the results.
