Publishing quality data: Minister responds
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, said she was confident the aged care sector would see the merit of publication of quality data, and it has been welcomed by consumer advocates.
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6 April 2009
The Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot said she was confident the aged care sector would see the merit of publication of quality data and it has been welcomed by consumer advocates.
“I recognise that there is some hesitation, but this is about helping Australian families gain more access to information on the quality and compliance of Australia’s 2,830 aged care homes,” Mrs Elliot said.
“Let’s work together to improve the care and quality in Australia’s nursing home and hostel sector. We already have a world class and world leading sector, but there is always scope for improvement,” Mrs Elliot said.
The publication of quality and compliance data will come into effect on July 1. It was announced on February 18.
“Choosing an aged care home can be very difficult and families deserve this information – especially, when they are making one of the toughest decisions of their lives. “It is about helping families to make informed decisions for their loved ones,” Mrs Elliot said.
“I completely reject claims that this is ‘name and shame’; this is about transparency, openness and information for families.”
The expanded dedicated web-page would contain information relating to their compliance with government safety and standard levels.
The materials would be on the existing website – www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au - which families currently use to find the contact details for homes in their local area.
The decision to make this information easily accessible follows representations from consumer and advocate groups to improve transparency and accountability following the 12 years of neglect by the previous government.
Currently, there is some information on the current sanctions at:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-rescare-sanction.htm
And there is an archived sanctions site – for those which have been lifted or expired – at: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-rescare-sanction-sancarch.htm
From mid-year, the Australian Government would list state-by-state or territory-by-territory nursing homes or hostels which:
- have been the subject of an official sanction in the previous year;
- are currently the subject of an official sanction;
- have received a notice of non-compliance (NNC) in the previous year; or
- is currently the subject of a NNC.
The development of the website was canvassed at the meeting of the Ageing Consultative Committee – which met on Canberra on March 25.
The Department of Health and Ageing’s Office of Aged Care Quality and Compliance has been given carriage of implementing the new reporting regime.
Submissions can be made to: Compliance Support Section, Office of Aged Care Quality and Compliance, Department of Health and Ageing, MDP 68, GPO Box 9848, CANBERRA ACT 2601 or acc@health.gov.au. The deadline for submissions is April 17.
"There are 2,830 nursing homes in Australia and the vast majority are doing an excellent job providing quality care for older Australians, but when action is required this Government will move swiftly,” Mrs Elliot said.
Sanctions
Sanctions are imposed on a nursing home by the Department of Health and Ageing where there is an immediate and severe risk to the health and safety of residents.Progress on fixing the serious risk is monitored daily.
Currently, there are 12 aged care homes under sanction in Australia.
In the 2007-2008 financial year, there have been 17 decisions to impose sanctions on 16 homes.
Notice of Non-Compliance
A Notice of Non-Compliance is imposed when a Home has not complied with their responsibilities, but where this non-compliance is not causing an immediate and severe risk to residents well being. The Notice makes clear what problems need to be addressed, and a timetable.From the period July 1, 2008 to February 12, 2009, the Australian Government has issued 83 notices of non-compliance, with another 17 in the process of being issued.
In the 2007-2008 financial year, it issued 75 notices.
A Notice asks approved providers to address a single or several non-compliant issues. Some common issues currently being addressed relate to the provision of: clinical care; nutrition and hydration; medication management; and pain management.
Several notices addressing non-compliance with laws relating to police checks have also been issued.
For more information, contact Mrs Elliot's office on (02) 6277 7280
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