Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured above) has slapped down aged care providers for failing to enforce the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Victorian aged care homes – warning they risk losing their accreditation.
Mr Morrison issued the direct missive while addressing concerns over the state’s highest virus numbers since the pandemic began with 723 cases and 13 deaths on Thursday – 10 linked to aged care homes.
The PM said the tally was “obviously very concerning”.
While acknowledging “significant progress” was being made at some aged care facilities in Melbourne including Heritage Care’s Epping Gardens home, he warned providers not to be complacent with PPE procedures.
“There’s been far too much anecdotal evidence that we’ve been receiving of PPE, despite the training, despite the PPE being there, not being used the way it should,” Mr Morrison said.
“In discussions with the Minister [Aged Care Minister, Senator Richard Colbeck] we agreed, and that will be communicated through to centres, that failure to comply with those requirements of using PPE will lead to marking down on people’s accreditation.”
“That will occur.”
The PM said homes were well equipped to comply with correct PPE procedures during the pandemic.
“The PPE is there. The training has been there,” he said.
“They need to [comply] to ensure the protection, obviously, of their residents, but also to protect the staff at these facilities. I want staff to feel very confident going to work each day in aged care facilities.”
“We are confirming that again with visits by teams to bring and refresh that training, wherever it is needed, and we’re focusing obviously on those facilities that are in the areas of highest outbreaks and at greater risk, and where there are already cases.”
Mr Morrison clearly missed yesterday’s news that only one in five aged care staff has completed the Government’s PPE training.
