MEDIA RELEASE - 25 SEPTEMBER 2018

MORRISON LODGE DISAPPOINTED AT COURT’S ACQUITTAL DECISION

Morrison Lodge Midland is providing support to one of our residents and her family following a distressing report, which was aired on ABC’s Four Corners on Monday 24 September.

The historic incident took place in 2016 and within minutes of it being reported, Morrison Lodge contacted police and subsequently terminated employment of the staff involved. 

Chief Executive Officer Krystal Laurentsch said two years on, the resident remains in the care of Morrison Lodge and staff were doing all they could to support her and her family through a difficult time.

“We share the concerns of the public and were also disappointed at the court’s decision to acquit the staff involved. The staff involved in the incident were not re-employed following the court’s decision to acquit them,” said Ms Laurentsch.

“Morrison Lodge Midland in no way tolerates abusive behaviour of any kind, there is no room in our community for poor or inattentive care and we take a zero tolerance approach to criminal abuse, assault and negligence.

“Morrison Lodge is devastated this occurred at our facility and offers sympathies to the resident and her family.

“Further to the nationally recognised Certificate III qualification our staff undergo additional annual mandatory training in areas of behaviour management, elder abuse and manual handling, which exceeds national standards.

“Time constraints and training were not factors in the incident, the actions reflected a blatant lack of care and dignity by individuals that was not previously witnessed. The actions of those individuals were not indicative of the culture at Morrison Lodge. 

“We respect any resident or family member’s decision to place CCTV in bedrooms as long as the placement maintains the dignity of the resident in regards to intimate care.”

Since the incident Morrison Lodge has strengthened the code of conduct, which staff are now employed, trained, retained and as required, terminated on. All staff are counselled to abide by the ethics and values held by our organisation.

 “We promote an open and transparent approach and continue to investigate any concerns or complaints from staff, residents, relatives and visitors alike.

 “We believe that all older Australians should be able to expect high quality care and strive to provide that each and every day,” Chief Executive Officer Krystal Laurentsch said.

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We have Residential Aged Care, Permanent and Respite beds available at Morrison Lodge in Midland and Balladong Lodge in York. For all inquiries, call us on 1300812790.