The Federal Government has accepted all 38 recommendations from a review into COVID-19 outbreaks in residential aged care facilities.
The Independent Review of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities, will underpin improvements as the Government and aged care sector prioritise the health and wellbeing of senior Australians in care.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the review was an important blueprint as we navigate the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
“It has been an extremely challenging time for all of us, but particularly senior and vulnerable Australians and those who care for them,” Minister Hunt said.
“The review’s 38 recommendations will help aged care facility administrators better prepare for and respond to future COVID-19 outbreaks and will assist the Government in monitoring and evaluating these measures.”
Minister Colbeck said the review was already guiding measures for the protection of aged care residents and workers in the current NSW, Victoria and ACT outbreaks.
“Importantly, the findings show that while community transmission is the biggest predictor of COVID‑19 outbreaks in aged care settings, effective leadership at all levels is the most critical factor in defending against the virus,” Minister Colbeck said.
He said the information in the report will also provide input and guidance into the principals required as Australia move towards living with COVID-19 in residential aged care.
The report outlines nine key lines of defence to minimise risk of COVID-19 outbreaks:
- Built environment and infrastructure;
- Clinical care;
- Effective interagency communication;
- Emergency response;
- Infection prevention and control;
- Leadership, management and governance;
- Planning and preparation;
- Preventing social isolation; and
- Workforce and staff mental health.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and its Aged Care Advisory Group have considered the recommendations.
Minister Hunt said the Government will continue to adapt the way it prepares for and responds to an outbreak, based on what has been learned.
“This will be done in collaboration with the aged care sector, state and territory governments and health authorities,” Mr Hunt said.
“It will also be important that, as the community transitions to living with COVID, we continue with critical strategies such as vaccinations and testing, so that aged care residents and staff are protected.”
Minister Colbeck said since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Morrison Government has committed over $2.1 billion in funding for aged care COVID support.
“We have listened to the experiences and stories of those living, working and caring in the aged care sector throughout the pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said. “We are committed to improving our preparation for and response to outbreaks, and better supporting our most vulnerable Australians.”
The Ministers thanked the authors of the review and the residents, families, friends, carers, providers and workers who contributed to this and the previous four independent reviews.
The full report can be found here.
