Pilbara aged care service on track for change
WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is on target to transform services at its South Hedland aged care facility, Karlarra House, following an audit by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.
WACHS chief executive officer, Chris O’Farrell, said she was confident that all improvements identified in the May audit would be completed by 30 September.
“Most of the concerns related to documentation, information systems and audit processes rather than care provided to patients, and the majority of these were addressed within three weeks,” she said.
“No patients have been harmed as a result of the care at Karlarra House.
“We have also appointed an independent nurse adviser and extra staff with aged care experience to provide continuing support as the changes are implemented.
“Staff and management of WACHS are concerned about the findings of the assessment and are committed to ensuring that aged care residents receive only the highest standard of care.
“We welcome the opportunity to work closely with the Commonwealth Government to improve aged care services in the Pilbara and we are confident of maintaining our accreditation status.”
Karlarra House is a 56-bed facility that was established in January 2007 to provide culturally appropriate residential aged care to the Pilbarra Community.