By Natalee Kerr
Geelong’s largest public aged care facility is “on track” to retain its license after recent revelations it failed to meet four expected outcomes.
It follows an audit that was conducted by the Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on the facility earlier this year.
A final report found that 40 out of 44 essential measures by the national accreditation standards were met by the North Geelong centre.
Data revealed the facility missed targets in crucial areas including medication management and specialised nursing care needs.
The centre was given until 9 April to address the problems to avoid possible sanctions.
The health care provider met the commission’s timeline for review following an inspection last week, a spokesperson said.
Barwon Health will “receive formal notification within the next four weeks” as to whether it has successfully rectified the issues, the spokesperson said.
The McKellar Centre has provided health care to the Geelong region for more than 50 years and is currently home to 198 care recipients.
Barwon Health’s Rob Malon said addressing the problems was a “number one priority”.
“Caring for the elderly is both a privilege and a responsibility, one Barwon Health takes very seriously,” Assoc Prof Malon said.
“We have also developed an overall continuous improvement plan that will guide us with our future plans and improvements across the aged care program.”
Barwon Health refused to elaborate on its progress rectifying the issues or the commission’s feedback so far.
