Nursing home passes audit after August non-compliance notice

A QUEENSLAND Health-run nursing home has passed "all aspects" of a follow-up audit after it was hit with a non-compliance notice from the Federal Government.

FILE PHOTO. Picture: Bev Lacey

A QUEENSLAND Health-run nursing home has passed "all aspects" of a follow-up audit after it was hit with a non-compliance notice from the Federal Government in August. 

The August audit of the Dr EAF McDonald Nursing Home in Oakey by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency found the facility could not ensure residents were receiving appropriate clinical care, that residents' medications were not managed safely and correctly, and that residents and their representatives were not satisfied the nursing home was recognising or respecting residents' rights to privacy, dignity and confidentiality, among other issues. 

Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Western Cluster director of nursing Tracey Morgan said a follow-up visit from AACQA in November found the facility complied with all aspects of the national aged care standards, "with only minor recommendations suggested by the agency audit team". 

"At all times, individualised, safe care of all residents has been the focus of staff at the facility," Ms Morgan said. 

"The audit has identified a number of opportunities to provide a more homely environment at the nursing home, with the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service committing resources to fund refurbishment works.

"Earlier this month it was announced the east and west wards will now be known as Sunrise and Sunset thanks to a suggestion from one of the home's residents, Greg Wilson."

Digi subs The Chronicle. Picture: Contributed

Other changes since the audit have included greater resident involvement in the development of menus, the appointment of a social nurse to assist the recreational officer to boost residents' lifestyle needs and preferences, the redesign of a television/lounge area to minimise noise disturbances, and more community engagement organised with the local Toowoomba Older Men's Network, who will visit on a monthly basis. 

Ms Morgan also noted "improvements to reduce nighttime noises such as replacing wheels on trolleys and the addition of rubber mats on beverage trolleys, plans to modernise and upgrade bathroom areas and bedrooms, the development of low stimulus areas and the re-evaluation of staff training and education opportunities" as ways in which the nursing home had improved since its August audit. 

Originally published as Nursing home passes audit after August non-compliance notice