Court hears St Basil’s Fawkner staff given outdated infection control training prior to COVID outbreak

·

Allegations of serious neglect at St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Fawkner have emerged at a Supreme Court hearing into a major class action against the operators of the home on Wednesday.

According to The Age, the court has heard that staff working at St Basil’s Fawkner were given outdated infection control training in the lead-up to a deadly coronavirus outbreak, which led to the deaths of more than one-quarter of the 120 residents at the aged care facility.

The management hearing for the case was told training for staff was conducted by a doctor whose expertise in infection protection was unknown and who based their training on outdated clinical guidance.

Between May and July last year, family and friends visiting the home were not told to limit visits, despite rising community spread of the virus. Face masks were not enforced, hand sanitiser was not readily available and hygiene standards were lax in communal living areas, according to the writ submitted to the Supreme Court and seen by The Age.

Acting on behalf of the residents and their families, Andrew Broadfoot, QC, told the court the elderly residents were often left starving in their rooms due to under-staffing and in soiled clothing for days.

Effie Fotiadis was the first plaintiff to launch civil action against St Basil’s Fawkner, which is owned by the Greek Orthodox Church. Her 79-year-old father, Dimitrios, died on July 25 in the Northern Hospital after becoming infected with coronavirus at the home.

The hearing continues.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

George Calombaris bans diner for ‘racist’ review of Melbourne restaurant

Celebrity chef, George Calombaris, publicly responded on Instagram to a negative about his restaurant, The Hellenic House Project.

Adopt a Chios Mastiha tree as part of a new regeneration project in Greece

Mastiha trees on the island of Chios need a regeneration and this is where the new environmental project, 'Adopt a Chios Mastiha tree,' can help.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.