8 May 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to let you know that we’re introducing an Incident Management Framework at IRT to enhance the way we manage incidents across the organisation.
What is an Incident Management Framework?
An Incident Management Framework (IMF) outlines a consistent way to identify, assess, respond to, record and manage incidents. The framework will make the process of reporting and managing incidents more streamlined and efficient, and help to ensure that we continue to comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards.
What types of incidents should be reported under the IMF?
All incidents should be reported. This includes an event or near-miss that could or did lead to:
- injury, illness or death of a person
- physical, emotional or psychological harm to a person
- failure to comply with IRT’s legislative obligations
- damage to IRT facilities or assets
- loss of, or disruption to, IRT’s operations.
Any form of consumer abuse – no matter how big or small – must also be reported under the IMF. This also includes where consumer abuse is alleged or suspected.
If you or anyone you know experiences any form of consumer abuse – whether it be physical, sexual, financial, neglect or emotional abuse – we strongly encourage you to speak up. We will act on any reports of consumer abuse immediately and ensure you and your loved one are supported.
What are the benefits?
An effective IMF will primarily ensure a consistent approach for managing incidents across the organisation, and enable us to more effectively prevent incidents, leading to a safer living and working environment.
What does that mean for you and your loved one?
The IMF will support the ongoing delivery of safe and quality care to our residents by enabling a better understanding of where there is risk and how it can be avoided. The IMF will also lead to the development and implementation of timely solutions, which will result in less chance of the same incident occurring again.
How do we report an incident under the new IMF?
There will be no change to the way you or your loved one currently report an incident to us, and we encourage you to speak up if you do experience or witness an incident. To do this, you can:
- Speak with the Care Manager
- Email us at feedback@irt.org.au
- Write to us at IRT Group, PO Box 2106, Wollongong DC NSW 2500
- Call us on 134 478
- Fill out a feedback form available at our aged care centres or on our website.
What happens next?
Our staff are receiving training and the new Framework is being implemented this month.
If you’d like more information now, please have a read through our Information sheet and Frequently Asked Questions.
Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.
Thank you for your support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
Executive General Manager – Aged Care Centres
