A sanctioned NSW nursing home, currently under fire from the federal government and the nation’s media, has initiated a proactive response to turn its current care situation around.

Fairfield Nursing Home Holdings was sanctioned by the federal government following a report which found that the approved provider posed several serious risks to its resident’s health, safety and wellbeing.

The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency found in an audit review that the home failed to provide adequate wound management, manage challenging behaviours effectively and ensure that staff had the knowledge and skills required to provide appropriate care.

The Fairfield Nursing Home accepted the Agency’s findings and immediately initiated an action plan, to be supervised by an Independent Nurse Advisor, in an effort to improve  its standard of care.

Chief Executive Officer of Aged Care Association Australia (NSW), Charles Wurf, said  the plan includes specialist clinical resources for wound management and challenging behaviours.

“The management and staff are deeply disturbed by the findings and will work with all necessary outside agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of each resident at the facility,” said Mr Wurf.

“That work has already begun and will continue seven days a week until all issues are resolved…The facility will ensure that all necessary resources will be applied to remove serious risk and address all areas of non-compliance.”

The measures imposed on the facility by the Department of Health and Ageing include the revocation of approved provider status unless it appoints an administrator with clinical and nursing experience, approved by the Commonwealth for a period of six months.

All Commonwealth subsidies for new residents entering the home after 23 June will cease for six months. Unless the facility provides adequate training for staff, it will also have its approved provider status revoked.

“When aged care providers fail to meet their obligations the Government will act to protect our frail and elderly citizens,” said Minister for Health and Ageing, Justine Elliot.

“We are committed to continuing to work in partnership with older Australians, their carers and families, staff, volunteers and care providers to improve the quality of aged care in Australia.”

The agency will closely monitor the home to check that action is being taken by the provider.