More Oakden aged care home staff to be investigated as minister responsible faces more questioning
MORE Oakden aged care home staff have been referred for investigation as the minister responsible for the facility prepares to face questioning in Parliament.
MORE Oakden aged care home staff have been referred for investigation as the minister responsible for the facility prepares to face questioning in Parliament on Thursday.
A progress report by SA Health, released to The Advertiser, shows 32 staff have now been referred to the national health regulation body for investigation over alleged abuse at the home.
The number of staff referred to police has risen from eight to nine.
There are also 15 staff on paid leave, pending investigation.
A report by the Chief Psychiatrist in late April revealed systemic mistreatment of elderly residents at the Oakden facility.
The Opposition has criticised SA Health for not making the progress report public earlier. Opposition spokesman Sam Duluk said it was “critical” that the Government ensures the public “have a full understanding of how the Oakden scandal is being responded to”.
A spokesman for SA Health said it had appointed a new clinical leader, established an expert panel to implement all of the Chief Psychiatrist’s recommendations, relocated patients into new facilities and decommissioned wards at Oakden.
Mental Health Minister Leesa Vlahos, who is responsible for the facility, will face questioning during Estimates hearings in Parliament today.