Goya Dmytryshchak
An Altona North nursing home taken over by a state government health service has now been linked to 29 COVID-19 cases.
Florence Aged Care Facility has 20 residents and nine staff infected, the Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday.
Western Health has been appointed to take over.
“A highly experienced Western Health nurse with extensive aged care knowledge will act as the Aged Care Commission’s advisor at the facility, working closely with the facility to ensure that staffing levels are adequate and that systems and processes for PPE are in place,” a Western Health spokesperson said.
“They will also be overseeing the implementation of changes so that the facility is able to support the level of care required for its residents.
“Western Health’s aged care in-reach teams are providing advice and support to a number of aged care facilities in the region.”
Premier Daniel Andrews on Thursday said state government health services had taken over three facilities so “vulnerable residents can get the care that they need”.
“Those public hospitals will work with nurses and personal care attendants from private partners… we’ve essentially assumed responsibility, taken over, those facilities for the purposes of the highest quality care and to deal with very challenging circumstances in each of those three.”
Florence Aged Care Facility management declined to comment.
