Aged care staff told they can’t get infected at work
Employees at an aged care facility have been left distressed after its management — a major provider of care — told them they couldn’t contract COVID-19 while at work and could only self-isolate if they had a medical certificate.
VIC News
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An aged care facility has come under fire for telling employees they couldn’t contract COVID-19 while at work.
Employees were left distressed by the dangerous advice which was issued by management of Mecwacare last week as the state’s coronavirus crisis reached its highest peak to date.
The organisation, which operates 13 facilities across the state and has had COVID-19 at various sites, is a major provider of care for the frail aged, disadvantaged and people with special needs.
In an email to staff employees were told COVID-19 could not be contracted at work if PPE was being worn correctly.
Employees were also told they could only contract COVID-19 in the community, and only when non-compliant with current regulations.
Staff were further directed that they could only self-isolate if they produced a medical certificate.
Complaints were lodged with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation which issued an urgent notice to members to disregard Mecwacare’s advice.
The matter was also reported to the federal Department of Health and state Minister for Ageing Luke Donnellan.
The ANMF told members claims COVID could not be contracted at work were “insulting to the more than 1000 healthcare workers in Victoria who have contracted coronavirus since the pandemic began.”
It also hit back at Mecwacare’s medical-certificate policy saying it was contrary to the National Employment Standards and the clear orders of the Premier and Chief Health Officer.
“Those with symptoms (who may not be sick) … must stay home and be tested, and not be subject to some arbitrary review which will discourage what should and must be being encouraged,” the ANMF said.
A Mecwacare spokesman said the staff email was a mistake.
“This email was written and sent in error, and corrected as soon as we realised our mistake,” she said.
“We are sorry for any distress or anxiety this may have caused our staff, who have been working tirelessly to care for our vulnerable residents.
“Our primary focus is the health and safety of all our residents and staff.”
The organisation defended its medical certificate policy, even in cases of self-isolation.
“If staff are sick and unable to work their rostered shift, a medical certificate is required, as per mecwacare policy, the National Employment Standards and the mecwacare EB,” the spokesman said.
“We have repeatedly told our staff we do not want them to come to work if they are unwell, for any reason.”
Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said any worker showing symptoms of respiratory disease needed to stay home and isolate until cleared of the virus.
“It is vital that aged care providers and workers follow the official government health advice,” he said.
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