Earle Haven probe coming to the Gold Coast

The investigation into drugging of patients and understaffing at Earle Haven’s nursing home wing has taken a major step forward after an announcement this morning.

THE drugging of patients and understaffing at a Gold Coast nursing home will be probed by Queensland Government at a special local hearing.

In an announcement this morning Queensland’s ongoing aged care inquiry has now been expanded to investigate the treatment of Earle Haven nursing home residents, in the lead up to the facility’s sudden closure in July.

It was yesterday revealed at the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety that half of the nursing home’s residents were being physically restrained and 71 per cent were receiving psychotropic medication.

The centre closed on July 11th following a contract dispute between owner PeopleCare and care contractor HelpStreet resulted in the emergency removal of over 70 elderly and frail residents.

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Sherene Gibson, who's friend was moved from Earle Haven's high care wing is seen leaving the Earle Haven Retirement Village on the Gold Coast, Friday, July 19, 2019. Federal authorities held a briefing with families, staff and residents after the abrupt closure of Earle Haven's high care wing. (AAP Image/Darren England)

A hearing into the matter will now take place on the Gold Coast in September.

The inquiry was previously looking into aged care, palliative care and voluntary assisted

dying will also investigate the quality and safety.

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon had confirmed the news online last night.

She had previously written to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety requesting a hearing on the Gold Coast.

Health Committee Chair, Aaron Harper MP, says the committee will use all of its coercive

powers to get to the bottom of what went on at the home. The committee’s powers are

equivalent to the powers of a royal commission.

“Our investigation follows damning evidence at the Royal Commission hearings this week

about poor management practices, understaffing and the overuse of physical restraints and

psychotropic drugs on elderly residents at Earle Haven.” Mr Harper said.

EARLE HAVEN: WHAT HAPPENED THE NIGHT 71 ELDERLY RESIDENTS WERE REMOVED

Arthur Miller, who is the owner of aged care provider People Care which owns the Earle Haven nursing home is seen arriving at the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety at the Commonwealth Law Courts in Brisbane, Monday, August 5, 2019. (AAP Image/Darren England)

“People are deeply shocked by what has happened there, and angry at the apparent failure

of the federal agencies that are supposed to protect the safety and wellbeing of the elderly

in nursing homes.”

“It is a national shame that this has happened. We feel for every one of the former residents

and staff from Earle Haven and their families whose lives have been turned upside down over

recent weeks. Everyone deserves answers. Our priority is to ensure what has happened at

Earle Haven doesn’t happen to other homes and residents.”

Residents and their families, former staff, doctors, industry bodies and anyone else with information about events at Earle Haven to come forward and provide a written submission to its investigation.

The committee will hold public hearings specifically for the investigation on Wednesday 11

and Thursday 12 September at the Royal Pines Resort at Ross Street Benowa, and will report

its findings later this year.

Submissions to the investigation will be protected by parliamentary privilege. Submissions should be sent to: Health Committee, PARLIAMENT

HOUSE QLD 4000; Email: [e-mail]