A manager from a Queensland residential facility experiencing the state's deadliest COVID-19 outbreak in aged care has told residents' families that vaccine booster shots were unavailable to the facility for weeks after the outbreak began.
Jeta Gardens compliance manager Cindy Ward offered an apology to residents' families during an emotional online meeting held yesterday.
She outlined why the Logan aged care home's first vaccine booster clinic was only held on January 31 — more than a month after a COVID-19 outbreak was first declared at Jeta Gardents.
"There were never any vaccinations available to us prior to Christmas," Ms Ward said.
"It was something that was followed up but … it was always, 'You're on the list. There's heaps of … aged care organisations that are actually waiting for them.'
"Everyone is asking the question, 'Why didn't you have a booster clinic before?'
"There were no vaccinations is what I was informed, and there was no scheduled time for aged care to get them prior to that."
Ms Ward said another vaccination clinic would be held at Jeta Gardens today.
Ongoing concerns about residents and staffing levels at Jeta Gardens were raised in both houses of federal parliament yesterday.
Aged Care Services Minister Richard Colbeck told the Senate the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) was investigating a "serious incident" in which a Jeta Gardens resident fell from a second-floor balcony last week, suffering serious injuries.
Political 'disconnect'
Geoff Rowe from Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia, who chaired yesterday's virtual meeting, said problems in the federal government's booster vaccine rollout had been "a recurring issue" across aged care homes.
So far, 15 Jeta Gardens residents have died with COVID-19 during the Omicron wave.
They were among 100 residents who have tested positive to the virus at the aged care home.
Of the 150 residents who remain at the aged care home, 33 are still considered active COVID-19 cases.
In the online meeting between staff and residents' families yesterday, Ms Ward said she wanted to "say sorry to any of the families for what they've been going through".
"I personally wanted to really make sure that families knew that, with the current situation, it is quite upsetting and emotional," she said.
"I'm hoping that, going forward, we are actually able to rebuild that trust with you and your confidence in the team … that is our goal.
"What we are actually going to be aiming to do is look after your loved ones like they were … our own mum or dad."
'Laying blame not helpful'
Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said Queensland had offered support to the federal government for the rollout of booster shots in aged care.
He said laying blame over the rollout was not helpful.
"We've had a look also at some aged care facilities to see what issues there are and how we can help and we certainly have resources if required," he said.
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said she welcomed the federal government’s call to offer vaccine boosters to aged care workers and simultaneous to residents.
She said a review into how the pandemic was managed in the aged care sector was inevitable.
She said it would "make sense" for the Commonwealth to undertake the review as it regulates and funds the sector.
"We are seeing outbreaks right across the state. We are seeing shortage of staff right across the state in aged care," she said.
Jeta Gardens at 'immediate and severe risk'
Jeta Gardens engaged consultant gerontologist Drew Dwyer after the ACQSC last week declared residents at the nursing home to be at "immediate and severe risk" in relation to its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Dr Dwyer told the meeting yesterday he had also been asked by Jeta Gardens chief executive Wesley Carter to look at its serious incident response.
The ABC has seen a Jeta Gardens incident report about the elderly woman's balcony fall last week that lists "neglect" as a contributing factor.
That injured resident is being treated in Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital.
"It is very sad to have seen what this particular resident has gone through," Dr Dwyer said.
"I have some messages from staff and other residents for her. I can reassure everybody that she is in good care.
"The family is well aware, well informed and in a good relationship with us … considering the severe outcome of her desperation.
"It has upset many people here at the home, both residents and staff."
Dr Dwyer has pledged to make changes at the nursing home to create a "perpetual cycle of improvement".
"I will not let this home down," he said.
