We wrote to your Facility Manager Corrie Ploeg again about the extra workload that ECAs are currently dealing with. Particularly on a morning shift, care staff are busy with showering, toileting and feeding residents and are feeling the pressure of understaffing.

We told Corrie once again that there used to be a shift that ended at 11.30am but now ends at 11am, and there used to be two RNs (now only one) allotted to the mornings. These shortfalls have made the work a lot more difficult.

We asked Corrie if there might be a solution moving forward. Here was their response:

‍Respect put their model of care into place when they took over the facility over three years ago (mid 2019). Since that time Respect has actually extended 2 care shifts 7am to 1pm to 7am to 1.30pm to assist with toileting after the lunch time meal. This extension was in response to concerns raised by care staff at a staff meeting that toileting residents post lunch would benefit from the staff member staying until 1.30pm.‍

‍Given the length of time we have been operating with this model, including care numbers and hours and no change in resident acuity, would it be beneficial to have specifics on what the carers are stating they are unable to attend to in the shifts times as they are.

‍You can help push management to address this issue by writing down the details of what cannot be done in the time allocated. You can send them either to Corrie directly or send them to HACSU via assist@hacsu.org.au We’ll raise those issues with management on your behalf.