Author: Belinda Howell

The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) is a new Government initiative to help prevent and reduce the risk of abuse and neglect for people living or staying in residential aged care homes in Australia.

SIRS replaces the current mandatory reporting requirements. SIRS requires residential aged providers to adopt a systematic approach to minimising the risk of, and responding to, serious incidents involving residents.

SIRS highlights the vital importance of an incident management system in helping every residential aged care service to effectively manage risks to their residents. SIRS will set new arrangements for providers of residential aged care to manage and take reasonable steps to prevent incidents, with a focus on the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life of aged care consumers.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will be responsible for administering SIRS and will have the power to take regulatory action where appropriate. At Whiddon, our aim is to not only ensure we comply with the changes, but more importantly, continue to work towards preventing any such incidents.

When will SIRS commence?

SIRS will commence from 1 April 2021.

How will SIRS work?

There are two key components to SIRS:

• Incident management obligations

• Compulsory reporting obligations.

Every residential aged care provider will need to establish a documented set of protocols, processes, standards and operating procedures to manage ‘reportable incidents’.

Under SIRS, approved providers will be required to report a broader range of incidents to the Commission than previous arrangements. Incidents must be reported within set timeframes depending on the level of impact to the care recipient (there are two priority levels).

While Whiddon already has the required incident management systems in place, we are currently updating our processes, and training our teams to ensure that all of the changes and well understood and supported.

What is a reportable incident?

A reportable incident includes any of the following:
• Unreasonable use of force
• Unlawful sexual contact or inappropriate sexual conduct
• Neglect
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Unexpected death
• Stealing or financial coercion by a staff member
• Inappropriate physical or chemical restraint

Unexplained absence from care Under SIRS, an allegation, suspicion or witness account of any of the above serious incidents must be reported to the Commission.

What if I have concerns or feedback?

At Whiddon, we want to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to talk to our teams about any concerns you may have. We will partner with you to ensure these concerns are fully heard and addressed.

While we hope that you always feel comfortable talking to our team about any concerns, it is important to note that there are increased protection measures under this scheme. Please also remember that residents have access to free advocacy services, such as OPAN and others.

What are Priority 1 and Priority 2 incidents?

From 1 April 2021, Priority 1 incidents must be reported by providers within 24 hours. These are reportable incidents where the incident has caused, or could reasonably have caused, a care recipient physical or psychological injury or discomfort that requires medical or psychological treatment to resolve. Instances of unexplained absence from care and any unexpected death of a consumer are always to be regarded as Priority 1 reportable incidents.

From 1 October 2021, Priority 2 incidents are reportable incidents that do not meet the criteria for Priority 1 that must be reported to the Commission within 30 days.

What does this mean for Whiddon residents and families?

Whiddon has a robust incident reporting and management system and a strong history of proactively managing risks to protect our residents. Under SIRS, this will continue, however with a broader category of incidents that require reporting to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. It may require our teams to contact you more regularly to inform you when reports are submitted and the progress of our investigations. It is requirement under SIRS that any person mentioned within the mandatory report must be notified prior to submitting the report.

As always, we will continue to let you know of any incidents or concerns with your loved ones regardless of whether they are reportable or not.

Where can I find more information?

You can find more information about SIRS here.

30 March 2021

We are pleased to advise you that the visiting restrictions at Whiddon Kyogle have now been lifted. This means that visitors are now able to visit Whiddon Kyogle again, however we do ask that you book in your visit in advance on (02) 6632 5600.

Please refrain from visiting if you have been to any hotspot locations or venues of concerns. We also ask that you do not visit if you are unwell or have been around someone who is unwell. Please note that visitors who have been in Brisbane City or the Moreton Bay Council area or to any Queensland contact tracing locations  since 20 March, or to NSW case locations, are not permitted to visit any of our care homes for now.

We thank you for your understanding and support during this time.

 

29 March 2021

We wanted to provide you with a further update on visitation to Whiddon Moree. Over the weekend, we have seen an increase in the number of residents experiencing flu-like symptoms. Loved ones of these residents have already been contacted.

As mentioned previously, we have no reason to believe this is a COVID-19 outbreak and tests undertaken to date have returned negative results.

What this means though, is that it is more likely that visitation will be restricted until the end of the week, rather than early this week as previously advised. We are working closely with the local Public Health Unit and once we are in a position to safely lift the visitation restriction, will provide a further update.

We understand this is a difficult time and thank you for your understanding and support.

26 March 2021

We are pleased to advise that the small gastro outbreak at Sir David Martin and Taylor House at Whiddon Easton Park has now been resolved. Visitors are once again able to visit these care homes. We do however ask that you refrain from visiting if you are unwell or have been around someone who is unwell. This helps to keep everyone safe.

Please note that bookings still need to be made prior to visiting the care home. Bookings can be made on the following numbers:

For Sir David Martin bookings phone: 02 9827 6666
For Taylor House bookings phone: 02 9827 6774

We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

24 March 2021

Following on from our update on Sunday, please note that that are still a small number of residents who are experiencing flu-like symptoms at Whiddon Moree. Loved ones of residents affected have already been contacted.

As a precaution to help limit potential spread of infection among residents and in the community, we continue to ask that you do not visit Whiddon Moree for now. If you do need to visit under exceptional circumstances, such as an end of life visit, please speak with the Director Care Services.

As mentioned in Sunday’s update, we have no reason to believe this is a COVID-19 outbreak and the COVID-19 tests undertaken have come back negative to date.

Please also note that we have had a number of team members who have been unable to attend the care home due to unfortunate impacts of the rain event we have been experiencing. We want to reassure you that we have management strategies in place for such events and that your loved one will continue to receive the care they need.

Our phones have currently been diverted to our wonderful home in Wee Waa, who are providing administration assistance at this time. Urgent enquiries will be directed to us here in Moree, but we ask for your assistance by limiting phone calls as much as possible as a result of the situation.

Our residents are in good spirits, comfortable and enjoying seeing beautiful weather return today.

We will provide a further update soon and we thank you for your understanding

21 March 2021

Please note that there are a small number of residents who are experiencing flu-like symptoms at Whiddon Moree. The loved ones of the residents affected have already been contacted.

As a precaution, to help limit potential spread of infection among residents and in the community, we ask that you do not visit Whiddon Moree for now. If you do need to visit under exceptional circumstances, such as an end of life visit, please speak with the Director Care Services.

We have no reason to believe this is a COVID-19 outbreak. We note that there are no areas of increased testing for COVID-19 and no cases of community transmission was again reported today.

We will provide a further update soon once we know more about the situation and we thank you for your understanding.

18 March 2021

Have your say on Whiddon’s Recovery at Work program

Whiddon has developed a draft Recovery at Work Program for all Whiddon workers who have sustained a work-related injury or illness.

Whiddon will support workers who sustain a work-related injury or illness, in order to enable them to achieve a timely, safe and sustainable return to work and health.

Over the next two weeks, your Director of Care, Manager or Return to Work Coordinator will be seeking feedback and comments on the draft Recovery at Work Program via team meetings. If you would like to provide any feedback, you can do so at these meetings or by speaking with your Director of Care, Manager or Return to Work Coordinator.

Please click below to read Whiddon’s draft Recovery at Work Program.

Recovery at Work Program – draft

Thank you for visiting this page. Please read below to hear the story behind the Whiddon Largs Garden project.

What is the Whiddon Largs Garden project?

In December 2020, Creative Engagement Specialist Maurie Voisey-Barlin was delivering a lively weekly afternoon discussion session with residents at Whiddon Largs when he asked for their thoughts around the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maurie was curious to hear how the pandemic had affected residents, but the conversation soon turned to their concerns about its impact on others. While residents had felt sad about restrictions on visitation at times, they wanted to talk more about what the pandemic means for the world, and especially, next generations.

The sessions regularly discuss legacy. The group talk about what people as individuals leave behind and the important of not only being remembered, but about sharing their thoughts, memories, wisdom, learnings and knowledge with those who follow in our footsteps.

A beautiful discussion followed about the thoughts and wishes they would like to leave younger generations as we move on from 2020, to a new year in 2021. These are the words that residents shared, in hope for 2021.

Goodbye 2020. In 2021 we hope for . .

Kindness
Patience
Respect
Manners
Loyalty
Love
Caring
Faithfulness
Honesty
Laughter
Faith
Belief
Family
Smiles

One of the residents recalled the story of the Anthony Hordern & Sons Department Store logo & motto. The logo featured a large tree under which was written ‘Whilst I live I grow’. A number of residents recalled this and were touched by its simple wisdom and legacy.

The group wanted to say goodbye to 2020, which was described by one of the residents as an ‘uncertain and sad year’. Then came the suggestion ‘why don’t we plant a tree?’. This was a popular suggestion.

The enthusiastic group realised that a large tree was not the right choice, as the position needed would require it to be planted in a spot where the residents would not see it daily. After a very vibrant, playful, and thoughtful discussion, they agreed that a small tree or perhaps a tall bush would do the trick.

It was decided to plant the bush outside the sunroom in the courtyard where they could watch it grow and flower. They wanted a native, hardy and enduring plant. A plant that flowered frequently, with vibrant flowers that could be seen from the sunroom as the residents looked outside during afternoon tea.

The choice was the tall variety Grevillea (Honey Barbara) which features brilliant orange and red flowers that appear year-round.

And so here it stands today.

What does this tree commemorate?

This is a gesture to the future to all who visit, live and work at Whiddon Largs.

Please take a moment to admire its beauty and reason for being and remember those who planted this in the hope that after 2020, we find more time to be together, take time to interact, to never take for granted the value of true compassion, connection and positivity in the face of adversity. We remember those who have walked this earth before us and wish the best for those who follow in our footsteps.

“Looking to the Future”

The Residents of Largs – 8 February 2021.

Maurie with resident, Beryl who was excited to receive the plaque

The tree was planted at a special event on 8 February 2021

Whiddon Largs Leisure Officers with Maurie

Whiddon thanks Maurie Voisey-Barlin for helping to bring this project to life. The words above were told to Whiddon by Maurie. We also thank Jackson and the team at Planet Engraving, Rutherford NSW, for their financial support, care and genuine commitment in the making of the plaque for all to enjoy.

29 September 2020

From today, Tuesday 29 September, the directives surrounding wearing masks at Whiddon Easton Park and Hornsby will change.

Wearing of masks will only be required where social distancing of at least 1.5 metres from residents, visitors and other employees is not possible. If social distancing can be ensured, you are no longer required to wear a mask, unless you are otherwise directed to do so. Employees working for more than one employer are still required to wear masks at all times.

Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, if you cannot maintain a 1.5 metre distance from any other person on site at any time, you must wear a mask. Examples of such situations are listed below however they are not exhaustive and there may be other circumstances where mask wearing is required.

• Showering and personal care of a resident where you cannot maintain a distance of 1.5 metres at all times
• Providing assistance to a resident to walk or transfer
• Working in close proximity with your colleagues in providing care to a resident
• Providing medication and treatment to residents
• Being in a room with others where you cannot maintain 1.5 metres, such as a tea room, lounge area or resident’s room where there may be several
  staff members attending
• As directed or required in line with our infection control procedures, such as when a resident is in isolation or in unwell

All visitors to these services are still required to wear a mask when they are on-site.

 

We are very grateful for the support of First State Super, now known as Aware Super, towards our Aged Care Employee Day celebrations this year.

Aged Care Employee days pays tribute to those who dedicate their careers to working in aged care. Whiddon created this day in 2018 as a way to shine a light on these incredible people.

To help make the celebrations even better, First State Super generously donated packs and goodies for our teams at Easton Park to enjoy. Our teams were delighted to receive these on the day. Their CEO also created a special video aimed at all aged care employees, to acknowledge the great work they do. Watch the video here.

It is with support like this that we can grow this day to create more impact for the wonderful people this national day is centered around.

Thank you First State Super – these packs are terrific!