STAFF and infrastructure issues have left a local nursing homes nearly at capacity with limited beds for locals seeking care.
Regional general manager of Southern Cross Care Broken Hill Larni Baird said that all three Southern Cross homes in the city are at capacity with the exception of a small number of beds at St Anne’s.
“These are offline due to inadequate infrastructure, not staffing shortages,” she said.
However, Ms Baird did confirm other sites are struggling to find appropriate aged, healthcare and ancillary workers.
“As is the case for many rural and remote communities, the rate of natural turnover in our workforce in Broken Hill means we’re always looking for suitable staff,” she said.
“The shortage is felt by all aged care providers and, in fact, all health providers across the country but its impact is particularly evident in rural communities.”
When it came to the St Anne’s site, Ms Baird rejected claims resident’s are being placed in hospital due to lack of spots at the facility.
“Firstly, it’s important to note there are no St Anne’s residents in the Broken Hill Hospital,” she said.
“We’re one of a number of care providers who each directly contribute to the care of our community’s senior residents.”
Ms Baird said the St Anne’s infrastructure issues relate to issues with buildings.
“This includes a number of shared rooms and bathrooms, a design which was appropriate when the home was built but no longer meets the modern standards expected by residents and families,” she said.
“We’re now taking steps to address this issue, however doing so will take time.
“It’s also important to understand there are a variety of circumstances which determine if our homes are equipped to cater for the needs of an individual, which above all includes the consumer choice.
“Southern Cross Care Broken Hill continues to admit new residents from the community or the hospital, when places become available.”
