The Commonwealth Government has imposed sanctions on the remote Katherine Red Cross Centre in the Northern Territory.

Serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of residents were identified during a visit from the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency last week. The visit was prompted by an anonymous complaint.

The concerns related to a lack of skilled staff, the absence of a working call bell system, poor preparedness for emergencies, ineffective medication management and an insecure site.

The 30-place low care facility currently has 26 residents.

In response the government will not fund any new residents at the home for the next six months.

The home will have to appoint an independent, government approved nurse advisor and provide staff training in the identified area of risk.

“We recognise that there are challenges in providing aged and community in remote and regional communities, but we will act when it is necessary,” said the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot.

“This Government is committed to continuing to work in partnership with older Australians, their families, staff, unions and providers to improve the quality of aged care in Australia.”

The Northern Territory Division of the Red Cross does not operate any other aged care facilities.