On Tuesday, we reported that Health Minister Greg Hunt had stated any future coronavirus outbreaks would be subject to “localised rings of containment” – raising concerns about whether providers would be able to transfer COVID positive residents to hospital. Today – a response.
A Department of Health spokesperson tells us that if an aged care home is subject to an outbreak, residents can still be transferred to hospital – if that is the clinical advice.
“A decision on whether to transfer a COVID-19 positive aged care resident to hospital should be made on a case-by-case basis, based on the best available medical advice, balancing the needs of the facility as a whole, with consideration given to the individual resident’s wishes and in consultation with their family,” they said in a statement.
The spokesperson also said that regardless of the decision to transfer one or more aged care residents to hospital, it is the responsibility of providers to ensure they have planning in place to manage COVID-19 positive residents on site if required.
“In the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in an aged care facility the Australian Government quickly mobilises to work with the relevant state or territory government, on the advice of regulatory, medical and infectious disease experts, to support the service provider in their management of the outbreak,” they said.
“This includes workforce support and supplementation and supply of personal protective equipment where needed.”
The message seems to be that the issue of transferring residents will come down to the individual situation.
Whether residents stay in the home or are sent to hospital however, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Janet Anderson PSM, made it clear at Tuesday’s Senate inquiry hearing – accountability will rest with the CEO and the board.
