The new Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) will start in early 2021 as announced by Minister Colbeck on 1 October 2020.
This is another important step in the Australian Government’s quality reform agenda to strengthen consumer protections and encourage improved service delivery in aged care.
The department has published a SIRS Model for Implementation paper on its website. This paper sets out the structure and operation of the SIRS for residential aged care and flexible care delivered in a residential aged care setting.
The department encourages all residential and flexible aged care providers to visit the department’s website for more information.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will shortly provide the sector with information and education to ensure aged care providers are ready for commencement of the SIRS.