St Basil’s Homes for the Aged has provided an update on WorkSafe Victoria court proceedings linked to the COVID-19 outbreak at its Victorian aged care facility in 2020.
The proceedings stem from the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak at the Fawkner facility in July 2020. The first confirmed case was recorded on July 9, and within days, widespread infection was identified after all residents and staff were tested.
In the weeks that followed, 45 residents died from COVID-19-related complications, prompting investigations by health and workplace safety authorities.
WorkSafe originally brought nine charges under workplace safety laws. After extended discussions between the two parties, the matter was resolved without going to trial. St Basil’s agreed to plead guilty to one charge only, while the remaining eight charges were withdrawn.
The single charge relates to whether specialised training and instruction on how to correctly put on and remove personal protective equipment (PPE) was adequately provided to five staff members during the relevant period in 2020. At the time, St Basil’s employed around 110 staff in total.
The case appeared in court today, where the guilty plea was formally entered. Sentencing has been scheduled for later this month.
In a statement, St Basil’s said the organisation has undergone “a complete renewal of Board oversight and senior management,” with governance and day-to-day operations now significantly different from those in place in 2020.
The deaths continue to be examined through ongoing coronial processes.
