Press Release: Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

StGiles and the Eskleigh Foundation welcome this week’s Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability public hearing to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on people with disability. 

StGiles chief executive Andrew Billing said that ``so far’’ the disability sector in Tasmania had been able to navigate its services within COVID-19.

``We remain interested in the effects on our mainland counterparts and eager to understand and learn from, the impacts for participants and providers interstate,’’ Mr Billing said.

Eskleigh’s Dan Lowe said he hoped the Commission’s COVID-19 hearing would lead towards improved safety and wellbeing for people with disability during these exceptional times.

The public hearing, which starts in Sydney today, will gather evidence from people with disability, peak advocacy groups, public health and disability experts as well as government representatives.

Commission Chair Ronald Sackville AO QC said: ``We will examine whether, in preparing for and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments and other entities adequately considered measures to prevent violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.’’

The public hearing will run from August 18-21 in Sydney.

 Ends.

Download a PDF version of the press release here

COVID-19: Re-Opening of Facilities

The Tasmanian Government has provided an update on visitor restrictions at residential care facilities in the North and South (NW remains under stronger measures), stating that one family member (or guardian) is able to visit a resident at any one time. If the visitor requires support from another individual (e.g. Support Worker), then the person providing support is also to be permitted access. What does this mean for Eskleigh?

• Effective Wednesday April 29 one visitor will be allowed to visit a resident at Eskleigh Home or Community Group Home

• If the visitor requires support from another individual, this individual will also be allowed access

• All visitors will be required to complete a COVID-19 Visitor Health Assessment Checklist and comply with sanitation requirements prior to entry

• Visiting times will revert back to 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm whilst current social distancing expectations remain in place

• Visitors will restrict their onsite interactions with other residents and visit with their family member/loved one away from other residents and staff

• Visitors will observe social distancing measures whilst they are on site.

I understand that it has been a distressing time for families with visitor restrictions in place. I thank you for your understanding with this measure and the other COVID-19 related measures that Eskleigh has implemented. At all times we endeavour to work inline with Government and public health mandates to protect our residents and staff – we do appreciate your support.

Please feel free to contact us should you have any concerns.

Yours sincerely,

Dan Lowe

CEO