An independent review into COVID-19 outbreaks in residential aged care facilities has been completed, with the Government accepting all 38 of its recommendations.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt said the Independent Review: COVID-19 Outbreaks in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities was an important blueprint as the continuing impact of the pandemic was navigated.
“It has been an extremely challenging time for all of us, but particularly for senior and vulnerable Australians and those who care for them,” Mr Hunt said.
“The Review’s 38 recommendations will help aged care facility administrators better prepare for and respond to future COVID-19 outbreaks and will assist the Government in monitoring and evaluating these measures,” he said.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the Review was already guiding measures for the protection of aged care residents and workers in the current NSW, Victoria and ACT outbreaks.
“Importantly, the findings show that while community transmission is the biggest predictor of COVID‑19 outbreaks in aged care settings, effective leadership at all levels is the most critical factor in defending against the virus,” Senator Colbeck said.
He said the information in the Report would also provide input and guidance into the principles required as Australia moved towards living with COVID-19 in residential aged care.
Mr Hunt said the Report outlined nine key lines of defence to minimise risk of COVID-19 outbreaks: Built environment and infrastructure; clinical care; effective inter-Agency communication; emergency response; infection prevention and control; leadership, management and governance; planning and preparation; preventing social isolation; and workforce and staff mental health.
The Minister said the Department of Health would continue to adapt the way it prepared for and responded to an outbreak, based on what had been learned.
“This will be done in collaboration with the aged care sector, State and Territory Governments and health authorities,” he said.
“It will also be important, as the community transitions to living with COVID, that we continue with critical strategies such as vaccinations and testing, so that aged care residents and staff are protected,” Mr Hunt said.
The 89-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
