 Home Media Resources Inquiry Confirms the Need For Better Staffing in Aged Care - June 23 2005
Inquiry Confirms the Need For Better Staffing in Aged Care - June 23 2005
The Health Services Union today called on the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of a Senate inquiry which has found that new staffing standards are necessary to improve the care of residents.
The committee's bi-partisan report also recommends steps to improve the pay and training of staff and that the scrutiny of the industry needs to be dramatically increased.
HSU national secretary Craig Thomson said today: "This report confirms what staff in aged care have been saying, that there is a clear link between staffing levels and the quality of care and that staffing levels need to be increased.
"If the government adopts these recommendations Australians can feel more confident about the standard of care in aged care facilities.
"The days of aged care providers being able to employ as few staff as they like must end.
"People have to ask themselves if they want production line care or something better for their elderly relatives.
"The union also supports the committee's findings that the scrutiny of the industry is totally inadequate and only one in ten homes receives a spot check each year.
"There needs to be a huge increase in the number of spot checks on aged care homes.
"Recommendations regarding extra training and moving towards pay parity for personal carers and nurses also must be adopted by the government.
Contact Details
Health Services Union of Australia
hsu@hsu.net.au
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