The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) welcomes the Australian Government’s new standards for aged care announced this week.
The new single standards, which replace the four previous sets of aged care standards, are centred on ensuring appropriate quality and safety is provided in all service settings.
“It is expected these changes will tighten regulation and make aged care providers more accountable for the care they deliver to residents who rely on these services,” said ACN CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN.
“Quality and safety in any facility or service, including aged care, is tied very closely to appropriate staffing levels. ACN has persistently advocated for Registered Nurses to be available and accessible on every shift in aged care facilities and we continue to believe this will be important if service providers are to meet these new standards.
“The commencement of the independent body at the helm of aged care quality and safety in Australia, in addition to the new standards, is expected to improve the delivery of aged care across the country.
“ACN commends the Australian Government’s strategic approach to the management and delivery of these updates and look forward to assisting in the implementation of the significant changes.
“Above any other health professional, nurses spend the most time with residents and their families. As such, the profession anticipates these reforms will further support nurses in the delivery of high-quality care for residents and consumers across all aged care settings.”