ACSA and LASA jointly seek clarity on new COVID-19 restrictions on aged care staff in Victoria – and hospital transfers
But there are figures that indicate the Federal and State Governments will not budge on the issue of hospital transfers – see this story
The peaks say they want to see more detail – particularly around resourcing – following yesterday’s announcement by the Federal and Victorian Governments of restrictions on visitors and $1,500 payments to prevent aged care staff working across multiple sites. Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Leading Age Service Australia (LASA) say they recognise the need to address the issue of workers unintentionally spreading COVID-19 between aged care homes – but point out many staff work across multiple locations. “The new principles must ensure that no worker is disadvantaged and that providers are given the financial and other support necessary to fill shifts and keep their residents safe,” they said in a joint statement. They also underlined the fact that aged care homes are “not hospitals and cannot provide that level of disease control or treatment”. “Older people deserve the same level of respect and treatment as younger people. For people to be denied hospital treatment based on age is simply wrong,” they conclude. But there are figures that indicate the Federal and State Governments will not budge on the issue of hospital transfers – see this story.
