• ACST News Briefs Issue 190

Dear Members,

By now you would all be well aware of the horrific events that occurred last week, when a number of NSW nursing home residents lost their lives in a fire.

Our members take the safety of their residents and staff very seriously, and the critical risk presented by fires is one they dont ignore.

Our residential aged care facilities are required to comply with the certification requirements of the Department of Health and Ageing. Buildings are assessed against the very high level of fire and safety mandated under the certification standards, ensuring we comply with these requirements.

Fire and safety equipment at all facilities is checked annually by Registered Fire Safety Equipment Professionals and there are regular fire safety training sessions for all staff, including mock resident evacuations.

The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency visit the states facilities regularly to assess compliance with the Accreditation Standards. Their assessors check that our facilities have established procedures for detecting and acting on fire, security or other emergency risks and incidents, and that relevant staff know and understand these procedures.

Our aged care staff are subject to criminal checks prior to being employed to ensure staff members do not have a history of abuse or violence. We have the utmost trust and faith in our members, and their staff are very well trained and equipped to handle the safety and security of residents in times of crisis.

Our sector will continue to act to ensure our residents, clients and staff are protected from threats, whether they be internal or external, by continuing to enhance emergency management preparedness and planning.

Regards,

Darren Mathewson

CEO

Aged and Community Services Tasmania