Minister names aged care review panel

Veteran public administrator Kate Carnell and international healthcare quality expert Professor Ron Paterson will examine the national aged care quality regulatory processes.

Veteran public administrator Kate Carnell and international healthcare quality expert Professor Ron Paterson will examine the national aged care quality regulatory processes.

Kate Carnell

The snap review was announced last week following the failures at the Makk and McLeay aged care wards at the Oakden Older Persons Mental Health Service in South Australia (read our story here).

Announcing the panel members on Thursday Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt said the review is a crucial step in ensuring that the Commonwealth’s aged care regulatory processes continue to protect older Australians.

“The skills and experience of Ms Carnell and Professor Paterson extend across public administration, health and regulatory standards,” Minister Wyatt said.

Ron Paterson

Ms Carnell, who is a pharmacist by profession, is the current Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. She was previously CEO of beyondblue and a former ACT Chief Minister.

Professor Paterson is an international expert on complaints, healthcare quality and the regulation of health professions.

A Professor of Law at the University of Auckland, he is a former deputy director-general of health, health and disability commissioner and Parliamentary Ombudsman.

Minister Wyatt said the review would identify any shortcomings in the national regulatory system that meant that the Commonwealth was not aware of the extent of the problems at Oakden.

Ms Carnell and Professor Paterson are to report to government by 31 August.

Related AAA coverage: Poor quality aged care can still ‘fly below the radar’

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Tags: aged care accreditation, aged care review, beyondblue, kate-carnell, Ken Wyatt, oakden, ron paterson, university of auckland,

3 thoughts on “Minister names aged care review panel

  1. Almost everyone agrees that aged care needs more direct care hours from registered and enrolled nurses and better compliance with nursing standards.

    Nurses are the key to improving quality in aged care.

    So the Minister appoints a pharmacist and a lawyer to conduct the review.

    Outstanding.

  2. Must agree with Alan – what is the point in even covering stories like this, let alone applaud a review panel when it consists of a pharmacist & a lawyer.

    I reckon the day that Govt bodies finally listen to those who actually work in the industry is the day I most likely will need care myself.

    We need more staff not further reviews, research, surveys, studies etc.

  3. Why is Carnell on this?
    Money for ex pollies again.
    Why didn’t they ask someone who has knowledge about this stuff.
    Disgusting.

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