The Aged Care Association has welcomed the New South Wales Premier's call for a review of the nursing home industry, in the wake of the deadly fire that burned the Principal Quakers Hill facility in western Sydney November 18, 2011.

 

Six residents have died from the fire, while 11 residents are still being treated in ICUs throughout Sydney. A registered nurse named Roger Dean, 35, has been charged with four counts of murder and is expected to face additional charges and face the court November 24, 2011.

 

In response to the blaze, Premier Barry O'Farrell ordered that NSW’s aged care system be reviewed, and its building security and staff screening be considered. "We will ensure that lessons are learned out of this tragedy," Premier O'Farrell said.

 

Aged Care Association chief executive Rod Young said Mr. O’Farrell’s announcement “would be applauded by the industry." He said guaranteeing the suitability of a potential employee was “almost impossible,” saying police jurisdiction was limited to criminal matters. Applying a mental health test was neither a guarantee, he said. Background checks with former employers would probably be the best recourse, he added.

 

The sector has invested $30 billion for the upgrade of its buildings over the past 10 years, but more needed to be done, Mr. Young admitted. 

 

Meanwhile, the police authorities continue to investigate by waiting to talk to the injured and for the building to become accessible so they can gain complete access. Homicide Squad Commander Michael Willing said they expect that the building would be declared safe later in the day.