Govt mulls charges against nursing home
July 28, 2008 - 7:18PM
Criminal charges could be laid after the federal government said a Victorian nursing home had risked residents' health and safety.
The Department of Health and Ageing says significant weight loss in several patients at the Kirralee Residential Aged Care Facility in East Ballarat indicated deficiencies in nutrition and hydration.
"In view of the serious nature of the department's concerns, the department will be referring information to the Victorian police for their consideration as to whether any criminal charges are warranted," the department said in a release.
A Victorian police spokeswoman said police would investigate.
"We are expecting a referral from the department. Once we've received the referral we'll look into the matter," said police spokeswoman Katherine Jess.
The government has imposed strict sanctions on the nursing home after an unannounced visit by department assessors earlier this month found problems in 33 out of 44 areas.
Problems with clinical care at the 100-place high care home were identified as a serious risk to residents' health, safety and wellbeing.
"The situation at Kirralee is entirely unacceptable; in the interests of all residents, the department has imposed strong sanctions," Ageing Minister Justine Elliot said in a statement.
© 2008 AAP
Abridged
SOURCE: SMH
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