NSW govt looks to offload state-owned nursing homes

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, has announced that expressions of interest are soon to be called to explore service models that may see the transfer of 11 NSW government-owned nursing homes to the non-government sector.

“The proposed models will offer new opportunities to provide better care for residents and may include the redevelopment of some facilities, providing better quality aged care homes,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“If they do not deliver better models of care and accommodation, then we will not proceed,” he said.

Any transfer process will ensure:

• Local access to existing residential aged care places
• Continuity of aged care services
• Minimal disruption of services to residents
• Maintenance of services to residents with special care requirements
• Protection of heritage assets where applicable.

“If the proposals are to proceed it will be a priority to ensure minimum disruption to residents and ensure families are fully briefed and comfortable with any changes,” the Minister said.

“Since 1996, NSW Health had implemented the Residential Aged Care Reform Program to transfer State Government residential aged care facilities to the non-government sector.

“This followed the passage of the Aged Care Act where the Commonwealth, through the Department of Health and Ageing, has funding, policy and regulatory responsibility for residential aged care services throughout Australia,” the Minister said.

“NSW has a record health budget of almost $14 billion and it is essential this funding is directed towards further improving front line health services for families across the state – that is our core responsibility,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“To ensure nursing home residents and their families understand the transfer process, what it means for them and to address any concerns, NSW Health will be holding information sessions in local communities,” the Minister said.

“The dates and times for these sessions are now being finalised and will be announced at the earliest possible opportunity.

“Importantly, as part of this process, entitlements of staff transferring to the non government or private sector will be protected under the State Government Nursing Home Framework Agreement.

“Staff will be offered a range of options including a transfer to employment with the potential new operators of the aged care facilities or redeployment within NSW Health where appropriate.

“Staff will be consulted about the proposed transfer and as well as talking to people we will be making information available through the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/nursinghomes/index.asp.

Facilities included in the proposed transfer include:
Corowa District Nursing Home
Garrawarra Centre
Governor Phillip Nursing Home
Hillcrest Nursing Home
Kimbarra Lodge Hostel
Holbrook Hospital Nursing Home
Leeton Hospital Aged Care Unit
Murrumburrah-Harden District Nursing Home
Muswellbrook Aged Care Facility
Queen Victoria Memorial Home
Wallsend Aged Care Facility