Earle Haven families furious over lack of answers provided at meeting

Families invited to attend an information session on the Earle Haven nursing home crisis have been left furious after revealing what was said inside the meeting.

FAMILY and friends of Earle Haven nursing home residents have blasted a meeting about the crisis this morning as a “total waste of time”.

More than fifty people attended the meeting, which was called by the federal government, hoping to hear when their elderly relatives can return home after they were turfed out over ongoing contract dispute last week.

But they were left none the wiser, with a furious family member of a resident saying their time had been wasted.

“It went around and around, those poor innocent people are just waiting,” she said.

The woman said she is now looking for alternate accommodation.

“I don’t think there is any future here,” she said.

“Karma will come to the people who caused this.”

Family members of Earle Haven nursing home residents at the meeting this morning.

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Barbara Healy, a former nursing manager on the Gold Coast, said she was angry at the state government decision to remove residents from the home after the nursing contractor left.

“I am disgusted with what happened sure, but Queensland Health stepped in and they made the decision that this was a disaster area and everyone had to be evacuated,” she said.

Ms Healy said the government should have instead moved in resources to continue the running of the home.

“They just keep saying the same thing, it takes time it takes time, well how long is a piece of string?,” she said.

“All these people have been asking questions, no answers, nobody knows when they can come back.”

Ambulances and removal trucks leave the Earle Haven retirement complex last week. Picture: Tertius Pickard

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Ms Healy said her sister in law, who was a resident and suffers from dementia, is confused about her new accommodation, which she now shares with others.

“She is very confused, she isn’t the only one – they have been taken out of their home and put somewhere they don’t know anything about,” Ms Healy said.

At the meeting the federal government announced an investigation into the matter would take place, but could give no details on how long it would take.

It was also revealed today that police will not be bringing charges as a result of last week’s evacuation.

Officers had been investigating if any criminal activity occurred when the residents were suddenly removed from their homes on June 11.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said detectives had now finished their inquiry.

“Investigations have determined there was no evidence of any criminal offences being committed and there are no charges to be preferred against any person or organisation,” the spokeswoman said.

“No further action will be undertaken by police unless additional information is received.”

Moncrieff MP Angie Bell speaks outside the Earle Haven nursing home.

Speaking to the media, Member for Moncrieff Angie Bell said the situation was tragic.

“I am here today representing the minister to announce there will be a comprehensive investigation into what has gone on, headed up by Kate Carnell to find out exactly what went on here.

“We will be delivering that in due course.”

Ms Bell said the return of residents to their home is “up to the investigation, as the facility is not ready to take patients back.”

“The care of those residents is of primary importance and if the facility is not able to take them back it is more dangerous for them to come back.”

State Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon was told the meeting was reserved for families and residents only, along with Federal representatives.

Ms Scanlon said given the situation had heavily impacted on Queensland Health services she wanted to attend.

In a letter to the MP the federal aged care minister Richard Colbeck told the MP “Attendance has been limited federal government representative in consultation with residents and families.”

Originally published as Earle Haven families furious over lack of answers provided at meeting