The Victorian-based Not For Profit has been successful with applications for COVID-19 surge workers to help care for residents at two of its aged care homes in rural Victoria.

The surge workers are at its Sale and Benalla aged care homes. In addition, the ADF surge workforce is at Benalla.

Latest data from Commonwealth Department of Health states there are 60 cases of coronavirus at Sale and 39 at Benalla.

The Sale home was sanctioned last month by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) for “not providing care to consumers that meets the Aged Care Quality Standards.”

A spokeswoman for Royal Freemasons said the staffing situation is “extremely serious especially within regional areas.”

“At time up to 30% of shifts are not able to be filled. We understand the staffing shortages are being felt not only across the aged care sector, but across the entire health sector. 

“We are continuing with comprehensive staff recruitment initiatives to fill vacant roles; with available staff shortages across the sector but there is just not enough people to fill positions.”

CEO Kerri Rivett, who has been named to the inaugural Board of the new industry peak, Aged and Community Care Providers Association, told the Gippsland Times that “good progress is being made” to address issues identified by the ACQSC.

“A Nurse Advisor has been appointed to assist with supporting the home to meet the Quality Standards,” said Kerri, who is being replaced as CEO.

“An Education and Clinical Support Manager has been appointed and commenced Care Consultations with residents and their families to ensure care plans meet the specific ongoing needs of every resident.

“A Clinical Care Specialist and other additional clinical staff have also been appointed and have commenced Care Consultations with residents and their families to ensure care plans meet the specific ongoing needs of every resident.

“We have also commenced undertaking care consultations with every resident and their family, we aim to complete these within the next six weeks.

“We have implemented weekly resident and family communications to encourage transparent and ongoing feedback.

“We are continuing with comprehensive staff recruitment initiatives to fill vacant roles; with available staff shortages across the sector this remains a challenging space,” she added.