Medication delivery changes to residents at Harvey-based Hocart Lodge facility have started to raise questions

Serious questions have been raised about the timely delivery of medications to residents at Hocart Lodge Aged Care facility. The Reporter understands a new pharmacy arrangement is in place where residents’ medications are being delivered only three times a week. The previous arrangement saw medications delivered to the facility six times a week, sometimes several times a day. The information was revealed at a community forum in Binningup on Wednesday, attended by more than 70 family members of past or present residents at the facility. Hocart’s management and board were invited to the forum but did not attend. Several attendees said they had received a letter saying that the pharmacy treatment of their relative was being moved to an out-of-town provider. It was revealed at the forum that Hocart management entered a contract with a new pharmacy, which came into effect on May 24. The Reporter understands that under the new arrangement medication would only be delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Family members expressed concern that this could leave their loved one without essential medical treatment if it was ordered on a non-delivery day. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has confirmed it has received complaints about Hocart Lodge relating to clinical care, personal care and food. In a statement from the facility’s CEO Ishbell Reid, Hocart Lodge management have described the allegations as “deeply concerning” and acknowledged the facility was investigating a complaint made to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.