An indication that the memory of Earle Haven is still strong in the Government’s mind?
Minister for Aged Care Senator Richard Colbeck has revealed emergency measures to ensure aged care homes are not left short-staffed during the coronavirus pandemic, including:
- new emergency response teams on standby if there’s a significant outbreak in a residential aged care facility;
- Remote locums to support aged care providers in remote Australia if they are unable to source staff; and
- Access to a surge workforce through the online platform Mable, to help providers if they’re unable to fill critical skills because of infection or staff have to self-isolate.
As we covered last week, the Government had already announced all residential care providers will be covered for the cost of hiring extra staff with extra staff to be sourced through Peter Scutt and Tony Charara’s online Mable platform, which has 8,000 workers on its books.
The staffing measures will be funded via the $101.2 million aged care package announced as part of the Federal Government’s $2.4 billion support package on 11 March.
“As unlikely as it might be, we have plans in place for worst case scenarios where an outbreak in aged care facilities mean local staff are unable to continue to provide care due to an infection in the service,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Additionally, while it’s unlikely, we need to ensure we’re planning for parts of the workforce being unable to work,” he added.
“I want to stress these are temporary contingency measures and providers must show they’ve exhausted usual recruitment channels.”
“There’s every chance these extraordinary measures won’t be required in full – but it’s vital we are ready.”
