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Newmarch Residents’ Families Fear the Impending Second Wave of Coronavirus

Newmarch Residents’ Families Fear the Impending Second Wave of Coronavirus

Published By Newly , 3 years ago

Australians must not be complacent after the relaxation of state restrictions concerning coronavirus.

Bernadette Quigley, a woman whose mother recently died in Newmarch House due to the coronavirus outbreak in its facilities, said that she was scared of the possibility of a second wave.

She said that the death of her mother is very saddening and affected everyone in her family.

She added that Australians aren’t taking a serious position relative to the coronavirus pandemic and its effects.

 

Vigilance is the key

Various states in Australia began relaxing their social distancing measures. For example, Victoria just allowed small gatherings composed of 10 people while New South Wales permitted restaurants to accommodate dine-in services for not more than 10 people.

Ms. Quigley said that the relaxation of the measures is very scary especially for her and her family who are directly affected by coronavirus.

When her mother died, she said that she wasn’t even there to say her final goodbye.

The funeral services for her mother were restricted to many of the family members due to rigid social distancing measures during those times.

She said that they were not provided the appropriate private time to enjoy the last moments of her mother with the family.

Ms. Quigley even said that the closure did not happen properly because of the measures.

Up to this date, they could not collect the belongings of her mother from the Newmarch facility.

 

Defending Anglicare

The Newmarch House outbreak is attributed to a staff member who worked six shifts while experiencing symptoms. The NSW Health department is still conducting a close investigation on such matters.

Anglicare, the operating body for Newmarch House has been criticised because of the outbreaks. Family members of the residents demand a disclosure of information about the investigative process.

Notwithstanding the existing issues, Ms. Quigley still defends the medical staff in the facility. She said that the staff tried their best to handle the outbreak before they realised it was too late.

When her mother was infected by coronavirus, Ms. Quigley said that she regularly received updates from the staff in the residence. The medical staff closely monitored and provided care to her mother all throughout.

She added that Anglicare even offered an opportunity to visit her mother in the facility while maintaining a close caution on it.

Prioritising the safety of the residents’ family members was the primary concern of Anglicare. Although it is very devastating for Ms. Quigley and her family to not see their elderly, what’s important is that they are cautioned properly.

 

Moving the patients to the hospital?

Anglicare received criticisms after ruling out the option of not bringing the patients to the nearby Nepean Hospital.

Ms. Quigley said that despite the surrounding issue, her mother would have preferred to stay at the facility.

Grant Millar, CEO of Anglicare Community Services said in an interview that he regretted the act of ruling out the movement of patients to the hospital for close treatment.

He said that if he could just turn back time, he would insist on moving the patients to the nearest hospital.

Two weeks ago, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission appointed Andrew Kinkade, an independent adviser to oversee Newmarch House management regarding coronavirus. Anglicare was threatened of a license revocation after the outbreak.

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