The Not For Profit released a statement yesterday, saying it is still struggling to fill at least one-third of its staffing needs at the aged care home in Kingswood in western Sydney in spite of a pledge by the Government to provide Anglicare with an emergency workforce.
55 of Newmarch House’s staff have been taken off rosters due to either contracting or being exposed to the coronavirus.
Anglicare added that because of the need to dress in full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), continue their stringent hygiene regime, and maintain social isolation while providing care, it is taking staff at least five times longer to deliver that care.
As we reported yesterday, the media has swarmed on concerns from families about staffing at the home.
“We appreciate and understand why families are upset, frustrated and disappointed,” CEO Grant Millard said.
Anglicare held a webinar with the Department of Health, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner and the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) for families yesterday to answer their concerns.
Meanwhile a fourth resident diagnosed with COVID-19 at the home passed away yesterday – a 79-year-old woman with multiple, serious conditions.
Another resident and staff member at the home have also tested positive, bringing the total number of cases to 44 – 29 residents and 15 staff, making it NSW’s largest coronavirus cluster after the Ruby Princess cruise ship.
Grant said the Commonwealth has now provided reassurances that whatever staff and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) they need at Newmarch will be supplied.
“This has been a terrible situation for us and I want to thank those who are thinking of us and praying for us. It means a lot to our residents, their families, and our staff. We are working hard to contain this virus and provide our residents with the care they have been used to and deserve.”
The media’s attention has now turned to the question: why was more help not provided by the Government sooner?
