Sisters launch a class action lawsuit against a Melbourne nursing home after their mother died from coronavirus - claiming staff didn't wear PPE and she wasn't taken to hospital right away

Two sisters are launching a class action lawsuit against a Melbourne nursing home after their mother died from COVID-19. 

Nicolina Manuele, 89, was one of 53 residents to contract the virus at Cumberland Manor Aged Care in Sunshine North, in the city's western suburbs. 

Her daughters Paula Dinatale and Nellie Giacca claim the nursing home failed to protect Ms Manuele, alleging infection protocols were not followed and there was a lack of communication. 

The pair said they 'couldn't understand' why Cumberland Manor did not move the 89-year-old straight to hospital when she tested positive to COVID-19 in July. 

Nicolina Manuele , 89, was one of 53 residents to contract the virus at Cumberland Manor Aged Care in Sunshine North, in the city's western suburbs. Pictured: Ms Manuele's daughters, dressed in PPE, visit her

'We just couldn't do anything. We just looked at her through the window and she would cry. We'd cry too, we couldn't do nothing,' Ms Dinatale told Nine News through tears.

She claimed: 'They just left her to die on her own.'

The sisters also allege workers were not dressed in full personal protective equipment.

'We didn't see anybody with masks on,' Ms Giacca said. 

Their mother was eventually moved to hospital after she fell unconscious at the aged care home but the sisters claim it was 'too late'. 

Of the 53 infections in residents at Cumberland Manor, 11 succumbed to the virus. There were also 54 positive coronavirus cases in workers at the facility. 

The sisters are working with Shine Lawyers for their class action lawsuit. 

Shine Lawyers will allege Cumberland Manor had inadequate infection prevention and control measures in place. 

Paula Dinatale and Nellie Giacca are launching a class action lawsuit against a Melbourne nursing home after their mother died from COVID-19

Special Counsel Thomas Bradley said: 'We will be seeking damages for medical expenses, lost income, and - in some cases - pain and suffering.

'We allege Cumberland Manor had a duty of care to residents and was negligent in failing to provide them with a safe and comfortable environment consistent with their needs.

'Our clients say there was a lack of communication about their sick loved ones and the failure to disclose relevant information regarding their health will also form part of this case.'

In a statement, Cumberland Manor expressed their condolences to grieving families and said workers were trained before the outbreak.

'Cumberland Manor wishes to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of loved ones who have passed away,' the statement read.

'We continue to work actively and closely with the Aged Care Commission to make sure that residents of the facility are being provided with the absolute best care possible.

'Cumberland Manor has a commitment to ensuring that all of its staff are fully accredited and up to date with clinical best practice at all times, this included ensuring that all staff had undertaken the training provided by the Federal Department of Health with respect to coronavirus and the facility had adjusted its infection plan prior to any resident contracting COVID-19 in accordance with this training.

'We are continually taking measures to ensure that the best care possible can be provided to all its residents, including working closely with health authorities to provide appropriate staffing rates and purchasing additional clinical supplies and equipment to meet the demands placed on it as a result of COVID-19.' 

'We just couldn't do anything. We just looked at her through the window and she would cry. We'd cry too, we couldn't do nothing,' Ms Dinatale said through tears