MPs call for government to act on nursing levels
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has commended Dr Helen Haines, the independent member for Indi, for putting forward a private member’s motion in federal parliament on Monday, calling on the Morrison Government to commit to one of the key recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission: by ensuring at least one registered nurse is on-site in all nursing homes 24/7.
ANMF federal secretary Annie Butler said she was deeply disappointed that the government had so far delayed action on fixing the dangerously inadequate staffing levels in nursing homes – the cause of so much pain and suffering for older Australians.
“The nation was horrified by the Royal Commission’s shocking discovery of widespread neglect and systemic failings across the aged care sector, which is why we find it hard to believe that the Government hasn’t responded to the Royal Commission’s most important recommendations to fix aged care," Ms Butler said.
"Unfortunately, with no national laws to guarantee appropriate ratios of qualified nursing staff and aged care staff, the suffering of our elderly will continue. Surely, the government understands that.
“The ANMF commends Dr Haines for holding the government to account and standing-up for the older members of our community, by asking why the government hasn’t addressed the crucial issues affecting the sector, including mandated staffing, workforce training and retention, improved aged care services for rural and regional Australia and transparency in aged care providers’ fees and charges.”
Ms Butler said the ANMF and its members were also encouraged by the long-list of ALP and independent MPs who had supported Dr Haines’ private motion on aged care.
Dr Haines said: “Having a nurse on-site not only improves the care of residents, which is incredibly complex care – pain, wound, diabetes, mental health, cognitive, palliative care management – it also supports the carer work teams with timely advice and expert help.”
Labor MP Ged Kearney said: “Having a registered nurse and staff and skills ratios is important. I am sick of the stories of neglect. I am sick of the penny pinching. Even as we speak and despite a Royal Commission, there is a list of major providers cutting hours and trimming their rosters.”
Do you think the government should commit to having a registered nurse on site in all nursing homes at all times?
Surely you don't really think that this government will do what is needed to fix aged care? The report will be put on the shelf and gather dust. The LNP will be attacking their donor base if they implement the changes necessary to fix aged care and re-election is much more important to Morrison than caring for the elderly.