Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety


Clive and Barb Spriggs Picture Credit: ABC/Caroline Winter

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has started its public hearing from 11 February until 13 February and again from 18 February to 22 February 2019.

On the first day the commission heard from the victim’s family and seniors groups. The commission heard the personal accounts from family of Oakden patient.

Oakden nursing home was one of the reasons for announcing the royal commission as stated by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

A personal testimony came from Barb Spriggs, wife and Clive, son of Bob, the Oakden patient. The family claimed that the patient was mistreated in the nursing home with over medication and minimal services.

The Royal Commission heard on Monday, Bob Spriggs, Parkinson’s and dementia patient was admitted to Oakden Older Persons Mental Health facility in South Australia in January 2016. He died 6 months later.

An emotional Mrs Spriggs during the hearing said that it was difficult to go through complaint process. She further asked for mandatory CCTV to help vulnerable patients and make the responsible people accountable.

The hearing concluded with thoughts on improving the culture within aged care industry as well as social attitudes towards elderly.