Fire tragedy: Message from the minister
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, extends his condolences to those affected by the recent nursing home fire in Sydney’s Quakers Hill.
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has offered his condolences to those affected by the recent nursing home fire in the Sydney suburb of Quakers Hill.
Minister Butler issued the following statement yesterday to acknowledge the memorial service and show his support for the many mourning the tragic event and the resulting loss of life.
“It is with great sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to older Australians, carers, families and staff affected by the Quakers Hill Nursing Home fire,” the Minister said in the statement.
“Australians have been united in their sadness at the events that have unfolded since last Friday and in their sorrow and grief for people directly affected by the tragedy.
“A number of older Australians have lost their lives as a result of this tragedy and a significant number remain in hospital with serious injuries. Those who escaped serious injury will be battling with their grief and displacement for some time to come.
“For residents, family and staff [who attended yesterday’s] memorial service, it is an especially sad and emotional occasion.
“Many have lost dear friends, loved ones and neighbours.
Those who have lost their life as a result of this tragedy will all be sorely missed.
“Quakers Hill today is a community in mourning and my deepest thoughts and condolences go out to all who have been affected by this tragedy.”
The memorial service, held yesterday at the Quakers Hill Anglican Church, was attended by hundreds of mourners wanting to pay their respects. Among them was the NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell; Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione.; nursing home staff; families and friends of the victims; and members of the emergency crews who fought the blaze.
Nine residents lost their lives as a result of the fire which ripped through the Domain Principal Group nursing home last week.
More than 20 residents are currently being treated in hospital while nine remain in intensive care.
Police believe it was deliberately lit by registered nurse, Roger Kingsley Dean, who has been charged with four counts of murder in relation to the blaze.
What sort of world class aged care system allows nursing homes to burn and lives to be lost without life saving sprinkler systems being mandatory ?.
It is time that the Commonwealth follows Victoria lead and makes Sprinkler Systems mandatory for all buildings housing non abulant people.
Graeme Croft
CEO
Innovative Care Ltd