Date Posted: 21/04/2020
Tonight Grant Millard, CEO of Anglicare, registered his deep concern about the situation in aged care facilities everywhere impacted by COVID-19. This follows the passing of a third person at Newmarch and allegations of staff shortages.
"We are in the eye of a storm. Everyone is struggling to find staff for us, including the Commonwealth Government and eight agencies. On some days we struggle to have a full staff complement, and it’s no one's fault.
"We are deeply sorry for the effect that it has had on some of the people we look after and that they have had to wait for the care they deserve during this crisis. Under normal circumstances Newmarch has had an excellent reputation for the care of our residents.
"There are still a number of people who are affected by the virus, and they are receiving first-class care through the hospital system and a specialist in infectious diseases, and I would like to thank the New South Wales Government for that.
"I've also personally spoken to the families of the three people who have unfortunately passed, and they have been fulsome in their praise for the care their loved-one received, despite the deeply unfortunate outcomes.
"I must stress that in my opinion, there is no-one to blame for the situation aged care facilities, including Newmarch, are in. We are simply in a terrible situation.
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Chris Pettett
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