The healthcare landscape has shifted dramatically, making it the perfect time to rethink your partnerships. The pandemic reshaped our industry, rearranged priorities, care delivery, and our supply chains, bringing a wave of new healthcare agencies to meet demand.

Now, Residential Aged Care organisations have a unique opportunity to refine these partnerships, ensuring sustainable pricing without sacrificing quality.

While cost is important, focusing on quality should be paramount. A quality-focused agency not only provides well-trained, experienced staff but also offers a holistic support system, including ongoing training and compliance monitoring. By prioritising quality, you invest in your organisation’s long-term success, ensuring you can meet the demands of a rapidly changing healthcare environment.

With over a decade of experience, we’re excited to share our 6 key considerations for selecting the right agency partner. 

Questions to Ask a Potential Staffing Agency

1. Service and Support: A 24/7 Commitment

• Do you provide 24/7 support for urgent staffing needs and replacements?
• How quickly can you typically provide replacements if needed?

In healthcare, needs can arise unexpectedly, so it’s vital to partner with an agency offering 24/7 support. Ask about their response time for urgent staffing needs. Quick, reliable replacements ensure seamless care and demonstrate the agency’s commitment to continuity, even in emergencies.

2. Training and Compliance: Ensuring Excellence

• What mandatory training do you provide to your healthcare workers?
• Do you provide this for free?
• How do you ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements?

Quality healthcare is rooted in rigorous training and strict compliance with regulatory standards. Ongoing compliance is equally important. Agencies should have systems to ensure staff consistently meet regulatory standards, protecting your organisation from legal issues and ensuring top-quality care.

3. Financial Stability: A Foundation of Trust

• Can you provide references or evidence of your financial stability?
• How do you ensure timely payments to your staff?

The financial stability of a staffing agency is crucial for consistent, reliable service. Ask for references of stability to ensure they can meet your needs long-term. Timely staff payment is also key. Agencies with cash flow issues may delay payments, leading to employee dissatisfaction and impacting care quality. A solid track record of timely payments reflects the agency’s overall reliability.

4. Costing and Overtime: Transparency is Key

• How do you handle overtime charges?
• Are they included in the base rate or charged separately?
• Are there any other hidden fees or costs we should be aware of?

Cost transparency is key when choosing a staffing agency. Ask how they handle overtime charges—are they included or billed separately? Clear answers will help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure pricing fits your budget. Watch out for hidden fees. A trustworthy agency will disclose all potential expenses upfront, allowing you to plan accurately and avoid surprises.

5. Quality Assurance: The Screening Process

• Can you describe your screening and vetting process for healthcare workers?
• How do you ensure the competency and experience of the staff you provide?

The quality of care relies on the staff your agency provides, making it essential to understand their screening process. Ask how they evaluate competency and experience. A thorough process includes background checks, qualification verification, and experience assessment. Top agencies also ensure staff fit your organisation’s culture and values.

6. Insurance and Workers’ Compensation: Protecting Your Organisation

• Can we review your insurance and workers’ compensation documents?
• What coverage do you provide for staff working at our facilities?

Insurance and workers’ compensation are key to managing risk with a staffing agency. Review these documents carefully to protect your organisation from liabilities related to staff injuries or accidents. Ensure the coverage applies to staff at your facilities. A reputable agency will have comprehensive insurance, giving you peace of mind that your organisation is protected against unforeseen events.

Building a Strong Partnership

Selecting the right staffing agency is about more than just filling vacancies; it’s about building a partnership based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. The agency you choose should be seen as an extension of your team, sharing your commitment to providing the highest standard of care to your residents.

As you consider your options, keep these 6 key considerations in mind to ensure that you select a partner who aligns with your values and goals. A quality staffing agency will not only meet your immediate needs but will also support your organisation’s long-term success.

If you’re currently evaluating your agency partners and believe that a conversation with Redstone could help provide further clarity, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate this critical decision with confidence and ease.