Additional training to improve quality of care
Published on 24 August 2020
Gilgandra Shire Council recently hosted targeted infection control training for aged care and disability staff to improve the level of care for residents in their respective facilities.
“The incredible challenges our staff are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic are ongoing and unfortunately there has been a lot of negative publicity about the lack of training of staff in Aged Care Facilities. We are on the front foot here in Gilgandra and working to support and provide staff who are caring for our aged care residents with appropriate training and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)”, said Jo Manion, Council’s Director Community Services.
Council’s Del Gordon, Jack Towney Hostel Supervisor Registered Nurse and Barbara Bignell, Registered Nurse, led a series of infection control training sessions to ensure our teams are confident in infection control procedures required to care for our community.
More than 60 people from Aged Care and Disability services and Council’s general staff attended the sessions held during the day. Sessions were small to comply with Council’s COVID-19 Safe Plan and focused on equipping staff with the skill and confidence to prevent and manage infection.
“It’s a credit to those involved who developed and delivered this training. It has contributed to increased staff awareness and knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control when caring for our residents and clients who are vulnerable due to their age and/or pre-existing medical conditions”, said Ms Manion.
Adding,
“The health and safety of our aged care residents remains of key importance, and we are continuing to do our best to keep them safe. Effective infection control procedures and use of PPE is not only a key part of our response to COVID-19, but has also helped reduce the incidence of influenza and the common cold which can be typically experienced in these colder months.”
Feedback from attendees on the day highlighted increased confidence in their infection control workplace procedure, with the sessions being both informative and interactive.
Participants got to see how effective their current practices were and staff also put their newly acquired skills to the test by participating in a PPE relay which involved putting on and removing PPE in the correct sequence.
“We are very fortunate to have the skills and knowledge available locally to deliver this important training and look forward to further sessions being planned following extremely positive feedback from attendees last week”, said Ms Manion.
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Contact:
Jo Manion
Director Community Services
6817 8800