Inquest into Australia's deadliest coronavirus outbreak at Melbourne aged care home begins
Failed communication was at the root of Australia's deadliest coronavirus outbreak at an aged care home in Melbourne's north, a court has heard.
An inquest into what occurred at St Basil's Homes for the Aged in Fawkner in July and August 2020, when 50 of the 117 residents died, began at the Coroner's Court of Victoria today.
The inquest, which heard the cause of the disastrous COVID-19 cluster was failure of communication between state and federal health departments, began with a memorial to the victims.
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A total of 50 people died during the outbreak at the aged care home. Nine
Christine Golding's mother Efraxia died of COVID-19 days after she was one of the residents evacuated from the home.
"Mum still had hopes, dreams, she still loved. She still enjoyed life, so that she was denied that, she died prematurely," Ms Golding told 9News outside the court.
The inquest heard there was an eight-day delay between the first positive case at the aged care facility and the testing of other staff.
The Victorian Department of Health was notified when the outbreak began, but commonwealth authorities were not told until days later.
Christine Golding's mother died during the outbreak at the aged care home. Nine
The inquest heard that despite the concerns of doctors Professor Brett Sutton furloughed all St Basil's staff because they were deemed close contacts.
They were replaced with commonwealth agency workers, including some who had never worked in aged care.
Peter Rosen QC told the inquest that during the outbreak positive and negative residents were "mingling freely", bins were overflowing overflowing onto the floor and medication was left on the floor.
A deceased patient was even wheeled out through a busy corridor in front of other residents.
With a lack of information, families outside became desperate.
They banged on windows trying to get into the home and they called police, telling officers their parents were being kept as prisoners.
Ms Golding said she was horrified at what was occurring.
"And sadly my fears came to reality," she said.
Professor Brett Sutton will give evidence at the inquest next week.
Meanwhile, families of those who died during the outbreak have already launched civil action against St Basils.
The court heard today that the home is also being investigated by Worksafe for suspected health and safety breaches.
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