By Charlene Gatt
YARRA West Aged Care Home is under investigation after a sister home had sanctions imposed for patient neglect and not paying staff.
The Department of Health and Ageing confirmed last week that the Yarraville nursing home had been subject to a “review audit” in light of concerns about care at Ringwood North’s Grandview Gardens and the financial position of Kendelle Pty Ltd, which runs the two centres.
A third Kendelle centre, Gracedale Manor, was also under review.
Sanctions were imposed on Grandview Gardens earlier this month after reports of bedsores, pressure wounds and failure to change colostomy bags.
It is also believed that staff were not paid and had to do shifts as long as 15 hours to make up for staff shortages.
Yarra West’s audit was performed between 27 February and 5 March.
The facility, which houses up to 70 high-care residents, was granted re-accreditation last August after meeting all 44 expected outcomes.
It has been in operation since 1980. Yarra West refused to comment when Star contacted the facility last week.
“The Agency assessors have made recommendations to the Agency on the level of non-compliant outcomes at Gracedale Manor and Yarra West,” a statement from the Department for Health and Ageing said.
“The Approved Provider will have an opportunity to respond to these reports before the Agency makes a final accreditation decision.
“Depending on the outcome of that consideration, and discussions with the Approved Provider and other relevant stakeholders, the Department will consider what further compliance action is necessary to ensure swift action is taken to protect the well being and interests of the residents at these homes.”
