Today the NSW Coroner delivered his findings into the tragic deaths of the 19 residents of Newmarch House who died during one of Australia's first COVID-19 outbreaks in April and May 2020.
At the commencement of the Coronial Inquest nearly three years ago, Anglicare apologised to the families and friends of the 19 Newmarch House residents who passed away and acknowledged the immense distress caused during that period.
Today we repeat that apology with an acknowledgement that time does not diminish the grief and loss that many feel:
"Anglican Community Services wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the 19 residents of Newmarch House who passed away during the COVID-19 outbreak into 2020.
Anglicare acknowledges that the circumstances in which family members of Newmarch lost their mothers, fathers, grandparents, partners or friends made the loss much greater. For the residents and their families, the physical separation from their loved ones and intense distress and worry about them was traumatic.
Anglicare is sorry for the distress experienced during the outbreak by the residents of Newmarch House and their families and friends. Anglicare acknowledges that this was a time of intense anxiety and uncertainty for all of those involved in the outbreak.
Anglicare wishes to acknowledge the personal sacrifice and compassion of all of those people who supported Newmarch House during the outbreak and thank them for their contribution."
Coronial Inquest opening – 22 July 2022.
We continue to remember the residents who lost their lives, their families and loved ones, and recognise the staff at Newmarch House who showed great compassion and care during the outbreak.
We thank the Coroner for a thorough inquiry and a comprehensive final report.
The release of the Coroner's findings marks the end of the Inquest. Much has changed since the start of the pandemic and many lessons have been learned and practices improved by Anglicare and the aged care sector more broadly about how to better manage COVID-19.
Anglicare acknowledges the findings that are critical of some aspects of our approach to the 2020 outbreak, and we will now take the time to thoroughly review and carefully consider the Coroner's findings.
Anglicare remains committed to living our vision, mission and values through continuous reflection, learning and improvement to ensure we continue to provide high quality care to those we serve.
About Anglicare Sydney:
Anglicare Sydney is a Christian non-for-profit providing care to older people and community services throughout Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, New England North West, Central West and Norfolk Island.
Anglicare has been serving those in need for more than 160 years, employing more than 5,000 staff and serving alongside 1,300 volunteers.
Anglicare provides a diverse range of services including providing care through residential aged care homes, at home care services, retirement living communities, affordable homes for people over 55, community services for children, families and those experiencing social isolation, disaster recovery in times of crisis and helping effecting change through research and advocacy.
