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HSU launches Aged Care Campaign
The Health Services Union is today launching a national campaign to improve conditions in aged care facilities after a survey of staff revealed the extent of the crisis in the industry.
The survey of over 3,000 members found:
- Over two thirds of staff said there was not enough staff at their aged care facility;
- Over half said they cannot do the work they are supposed to during their shift;
- Almost one in four said they felt in danger at work due to a lack of proper safety and one in five said they believed residents were in danger;
HSU national secretary Craig Thomson said the survey showed the quality of care provided to elderly Australians was being compromised by understaffing and dangerous conditions.
''People in aged care facilities deserve the best possible care,'' he said.
''But the way the industry operates at the moment too many of them are not getting it.
''Under the Federal Government's cost-cutting regime there are not even minimum staffing levels required to ensure a basic standard of care and safety.
''The union's campaign will include a call for all employers and state government's to introduce minimum staffing levels in all areas to give a guarantee of care for residents and their families.
''Our members have told us they don't have the time to properly care for the residents to the standard they would like to.
''We have had examples highlighted to us where there is only a single staff member in a facility with 50 beds or more.
''Too many staff are working in facilities where there are serious safety concerns connected to staffing levels. When there are not enough staff the risk to the health and safety of residents increases dramatically.
Contact Details
Health Services Union
Ph: 0393413328
Fax: 0393413329
hsua@hsu.net.au
http://www.hsu.net.au
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