When the Aged Care Royal Commission identified the many flaws in the aged care system and recommended greater protections for aged Australians, the Commissioners could not have envisaged that the aged care industry would respond by restructuring their businesses to comply to the barest minimum.
Senators Rex Patrick (CA), Nick McKim (Greens) and Malcolm Roberts (One Nation) called for a 24/7 Registered Nurse in aged care facilities and they were stalled by the Albanese Government who said they would present their own legislation in mid-2023.
This delay has given unscrupulous aged care providers the time they needed to cut costs and it will do nothing to improve the quality of care and safety of residents.
If left unchecked, we will see the de-skilling of the aged care sector as enrolled nurses and nurses aides are terminated or made redundant leaving the facility with just one over-worked Registered Nurse and semi-skilled workers to service an entire facility.
“The Albanese Government has to ensure that nursing jobs and aged care residents are protected” NPAQ President Marg Gilbert stated.
The more staff reporting to a Registered Nurse the less time the nurse has to actually meet the clinical and care needs of residents. Enrolled nurses and AINs are vital roles in the team to ensure quality of life and safety for aged residents.
In Queensland, rural and regional aged care facilities are closing and aged residents are being forced further away from their home and families.
“Quality care and secure nursing jobs must come before profits and politics if the aged care industry is to improve their image.”
“The changes recommended by the Aged Care Royal Commission should not be used to cut costs and to put aged Australians at risk as the aged care industry de-skills” Marg Gilbert added. “We are consulting with our members and stakeholders in the aged care industry to ensure residents get better care and that skilled aged care jobs are protected. NPAQ will stand up for our members and we will call out shonky providers”.
NPAQ cares.
Contact: Margaret Gilbert - NPAQ President
E: margaret.gilbert@npaaservices.org.au