Charlotte Varcoe
BOANDIK Lodge in Mount Gambier is once again able to take on new residents after its four month sanction was lifted on Tuesday.
The sanction was put in place in January when the Federal Government’s Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission had identified Boandik Lodge as posing an “immediate and severe risk” to the safety, health or well-being of its residents following a Covid-19 outbreak at the facility.
During the four months of the sanction, the facility was required to take steps to return to full compliance.
This included providing training for its officers, employees and agents and demonstrating it had provided this training.
With the sanction now lifted, Boandik Lodge can begin accepting new residents once again.
Starting at Boandik earlier this month, interim chief executive officer, Glenn Rappensberg said it was the commitment and hard work of the staff throughout the sanction which allowed the facility to learn and grow.
“The reason why we are out of this sanction now is because the organisation has met the requirements set before it by the commission,” Mr Rappensberg said.
“The organisation met with the commission on a weekly basis and submitted a regular report which was part of the instructions when the sanction was put in place.
“Having the sanction end also identifies the opportunity for improvement and the commission was satisfied with the progress made, hence it being lifted this week,” he said.
“Staff have worked really hard and the focus has always been on providing the best care possible to those choosing Boandik to be their home.
“The view the organisation has taken of the sanction is an opportunity to pause, learn and grow as an organisation and reflect on past practice.”
Mr Rappensberg said it was important for the community to understand that Boandik always had an infection control in place for Covid-19 outbreaks, however staff were confronted with the first significant outbreak of the Omicron variant which took both the region and State by surprise.
“There has been learning from that process, and communication and care planning,” he said.
“This includes availability of adequate stock of personal protective equipment and more.”
Mr Rappensberg said in the future the facility would remain proactive rather than reactive in response to Covid, with a new requirement for visitors and staff to wear N95 masks while on the premises to prevent further infection.
