Federal Aged Care Minister pledges ‘full force action’ after ‘outrageous’ closure of Earle Haven home

Federal Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck has pledged ‘full force action’ after the ‘outrageous’ sudden closure of a Gold Coast nursing home, forcing the emergency evacuation of 70 elderly residents.

FEDERAL Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck has pledged ‘full force action’ after the ‘outrageous’ sudden closure of a Gold Coast nursing home, forcing the emergency evacuation of 70 elderly residents.

Senator Colbeck today ‘expressed deep concern and anger’ that residents of the Earle Haven home at Nerang were left abandoned on Thursday.

BLAME GAME AFTER AGED CARE MELTDOWN

“It appears that this incident arose from a contractual dispute between the approved aged

care provider and a subcontractor who was providing administrative, nursing, catering and

other support services,” Senator Colbeck said.

“It appears that the subcontractor, without notice, withdrew all services and proceeded to

remove equipment from site, leaving the facility unsuitable for residents to occupy.

Contractors remove equipment as more ambulance staff arrive at Earle Haven nursing home. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“I express my sincere appreciation for the assistance of Queensland Health, local emergency

services, and other aged care providers who made facilities available to accommodate the

residents.

“We are pleased that all residents have been safely relocated. I also wish to express my appreciation to staff who stayed with residents and alerted emergency services.

“Our primary concern is for the residents and their families — we will be taking all efforts to

ensure they continue to be safe and in good care.”

POLICE CALLED TO PROBE NURSING HOME SAGA

Inside Earle Haven Retirement Village after residents were moved from the facility.

Senator Colbeck said the situation was ‘outrageous’ and he had received a full briefing from his department.

“I will be using the full suite of resources available to investigate the circumstances of this

matter and I have issued instructions to that effect to my Department last night,” he said.

“Resources are being immediately mobilised to support residents and their families to ensure

their safety and wellbeing.

“I have directed my department to work closely with the Aged Care Quality and Safety

Commission and Queensland Health to examine the circumstances that led to this terrible

situation.”

“I will be looking to bring the full force possible of action onto those who put residents of

Earle Haven in such a terrible position — it is simply unacceptable.”