Time to stand up for better care of our elderly

Currently, there are no federal laws that require even one registered nurse must be physically on site at an aged care facility at any time.

A letter writer says Australian aged care is in crisis. Picture: Bev Lacey

IN THE the lead-up to International Nurses' Day on Sunday, Queensland nurses want to know where the leaders of the nation's two major political parties stand on the critical issue of staffing in aged care.

Australian aged care is in crisis.

Currently, there are no federal laws that require even one registered nurse must be physically on site at an aged care facility at any time.

This means it is not illegal for elderly residents to be left without a registered nurse.

It is also not illegal to leave a single registered nurse with an uncapped number of elderly residents.

The Federal Government announced a Royal Commission into Aged Care in September last year. Distressing stories of systemic neglect and abuse linked to understaffing and lack of regulation continue to be revealed.

Clearly this crisis warrants a Royal Commission, however, we cannot wait until the commission ends in 2020 for action. Australian nurses, elderly and voters deserve to know where party leaders stand on aged care now.

We ask the leaders of our two major political parties to state their policy positions on aged care staffing prior to International Nurses' Day this Sunday.

Our mothers, fathers, nurses and all elderly in care deserve this respect.

The time to commit to action is now.

BETH MOHLE

Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union