The Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has sought to clarify recent suggestions made regarding the facility not being accredited. 

There had been rumours swirling among the Leeton shire community that the facility would soon be shut down due to it not being accredited, but the MLHD has rubbished those suggestions. 

MLHD cluster manager Doctor Liz Harford said Carramar was not under any threat of being closed. 

“The support of residents remains a priority for staff and management,” she said. 

“The unit is accredited until November 26 and is undertaking accreditation at the end of August.

“Carramar has a proud history of quality and safety, achieving the standards set through the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency accreditation process in May 2014 and was given accreditation for three years.

“On February 14, Carramar met the clinical care standards reviewed and no recommendations were made.” However, the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency visited Carramar in May and identified some areas for improvement. 

It is now working with the agency to ensure all recommendations to improve resident care are acted on and implemented. “(We) are committed to ensuring that care provided at Carramar is safe and of the highest quality,” Dr Harford said. 

“Improvements made since the start of May include the extension to full-time hours of the leisure and lifestyle therapist and improved choices in the range of recreational activities. A full-time nurse educator (has been employed) to update the training of all Carramar nursing staff.

“Carramar residents and their families have participated in meetings with the Aged Care Quality Agency and have been involved in providing input and ideas for refurbishments, including paint colour and furnishings.”