Further information and updated statement on Yallambee Lodge incident
Published on 26 May 2023
On the morning of Wednesday, 17 May 2023 an incident occurred whereby resident, Clare Nowland, sustained injury following being tasered by a NSW Police Officer.
Yallambee Lodge and Snowy Monaro Regional Council were extremely saddened to learn that Mrs Nowland has since passed away.
Mrs Nowland was a caring, selfless and loving person. Yallambee was privileged to have her as a resident over the last five years.
Council confirms that it is undertaking its own investigation into the circumstances of the incident and is at all times complying with and providing every available assistance to both the NSW Police and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s investigations.
Council confirms that Yallambee Lodge operates under and adheres to clear and strict guidelines concerning de-escalation procedures, and it was in accordance with these procedures that on the morning of Wednesday, 17 May 2023, a call was placed to emergency services with a request for assistance in the medical treatment of Ms Nowland and transfer to hospital if appropriate.
Council and Yallambee Lodge take their obligations to the community and to their residents extremely seriously and aim to provide the best care possible. Yallambee Lodge underwent a full audit by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission as recently as February 2023 with 100% compliance with the standards and certainly at the time of the incident remained fully compliant with these standards.
Yallambee Lodge operates and encourages independent living for its residents where appropriate, with each resident having their own care plan, developed in collaboration with doctors, nurses, care staff, families and the resident themselves.
Council, Yallambee Lodge and its staff are extremely saddened by the events surrounding Mrs Nowland’s passing and our thoughts remain with her family and friends.
The circumstances are extremely distressing for the staff at Yallambee Lodge, who have to date been the recipients of abusive and aggressive communications. Council requests from the community calm and understanding to enable the investigations to proceed comprehensively, while appreciating that this is a very difficult time.