Federal government plans to tighten nursing home accreditationstandardsto reduce the likelihood of infection outbreaks.NSW Health last week announced an investigation was underwayinto the deaths of 10 elderly people at Endeavour Nursing Home inSpringwood, in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney.

Ageing Minister Justine Elliot today said the government would review

accreditation standards.Ms Elliot said the new standards would cover

in more detail how homes can reduce the likelihood of outbreaks of

infectionthrough good handwashing practices, safe disposal of bodily

waste and properuse of gowns, gloves and masks.

New standards would ensure proper hydration and isolation of sick residents.

Adapted from the Herald Sun published in Melbourne, Australia, July 14/08

July 14, 2008