Reform needed for aged care

THE aged care sector is the “biggest area of concern” for the Queensland Nurses Union.

The aged care sector is an area of growing concern and the Queensland Nurses Union is hopeful of major reforms. Picture: Renee Pilcher

THE aged care sector is the “biggest area of concern” for the Queensland Nurses Union.

QNU secretary Beth Mohle hopes when the productivity commission releases its report, it will recommend significant reform to the age care sector.

She said there were “significant workforce issues” across the state, and she was aware of the grievances from staff at the Gympie Nursing Centre.

“We are aware of the concerns of our members and are seeking to resolve them as soon as possible.”

A meeting is now being sought to discuss the grievances.

“A huge issue is that nurses (in aged care) can get up to $300 less than those in public or private sector. The Because We Care campaign showed that diabolical difference.

“Three-hundred dollars is a mortgage payment,” she said.

“There's also a big problem with the skill mix and we have concern for the quality of care.

“Lack of transparency and accountability of how taxpayers funds are spent is also of concern.”

Ms Mohle said registered nurses and enrolled nurses were regulated, but assistants are not.

“That's a dangerous flaw in the system – our members want to be regulated and taken seriously – they want a career path.”

She said the QNU was aware nursing staff were “very unhappy” and it was up to the age care providers to take better care of their staff.

Originally published as Reform needed for aged care