MARIBYRNONG & HOBSONS BAY
Home » News » Altona North nursing home linked to 24 COVID-19 cases

Altona North nursing home linked to 24 COVID-19 cases

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.

Digital Editions


  • Sporting opportunities for young inmates

    Sporting opportunities for young inmates

    The state government has announced an expansion of the Twinning Project to the Ripley Unit at Marngoneet Prison. This initiative, which focuses on young men…

More News

  • Sporting club grants up for grabs

    Sporting club grants up for grabs

    Local sporting clubs across Victoria are encouraged to apply for a fresh round of funding grants launched by the state government. On Wednesday, Community Sport Minister Ros Spence announced that…

  • AI imaginary friends no substitute for human connection

    AI imaginary friends no substitute for human connection

    Loneliness and social isolation are now recognised as major public health threats, prompting governments to explore technological solutions. Research from Monash University argues new AI ‘digital companions’ marketed as a…

  • EPA puts brands on notice over packaging waste

    EPA puts brands on notice over packaging waste

    Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has lost patience with companies that fail to show how they are reducing packaging waste, warning they risk significant penalties if they don’t comply with…

  • WorkSafe manual handling workshops

    WorkSafe manual handling workshops

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 183103 Hazardous manual handling is the biggest cause of workplace injuries in Victoria, according to WorkSafe. The state’s work safety regulator said it has…

  • Bush boogie

    Bush boogie

    Those in the mood for some good old fashioned boot scootin’ are in luck, with the annual Newport Lakes Bush Dance returning in March. Organised by the Newport Fiddle and…

  • Full steam ahead to open day

    Full steam ahead to open day

    A small army of volunteers is busily preparing for the Newport Workshops Open Days on the Labour Day long weekend. The biennial event takes place from 7-9 March showcasing the…

  • Blackshaws truck ban could spread

    Blackshaws truck ban could spread

    Trucks could soon be banned from even more inner west streets just months after bans and nighttime curfews were implemented on a number of major thoroughfares following the opening of…

  • Work still to be done on IWD

    Work still to be done on IWD

    International Women’s Day (IWD) has a long and powerful history in Australia, reflecting more than a century of activism, reform and progress toward gender equality. The origins of International Women’s…

  • Dear Agnes returns

    Dear Agnes returns

    A contemporary public art program returns in March, paying tribute to the Altona Meadows land artwork created in 1998 by New York-based environmental artist Agnes Denes. Dear Agnes features new…

  • Falcons to go again

    Falcons to go again

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 495489 City West Falcons’ championship side is back for the Victorian Netball League season, but fans should expect a glimpse of the future. The…