The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission delivered a scathing message to Anglicare, issuing them a notice late on Wednesday afternoon.
The commission threatened to revoke the licence of the facility, instructing it to agree in writing to not admit any new residents and immediately accept the appointment of an independent advisor, a government appointed manager.
The new adviser will be appointed for a period of three months, Anglicare said in a statement.
“The adviser’s role does not extend to any other Anglicare residential aged care facility or any other Anglicare government funded program,” it said.
“Residents and families can be assured that this will mean we will have additional expertise to support us during this extremely difficult time.
“The impact of the COVID-19 on Newmarch House has been unprecedented for residents, families and staff.
“All our energy and focus is dedicated to containing the spread and the impact of this devastating virus.”
The number of coronavirus cases linked to Newmarch House rose to 68 this morning, after two staff members tested positive for the virus.
Sixteen residents at the facility have died after being diagnosed with the virus.
