RDNS merges with Silver Chain

The Royal District Nursing Service SA (RDNS) and Western Australian group Silver Chain is set to merge on 1 September; redefining the nature and value of healthcare in Australia.

RDNS is a non-for-profit organisation known as one of the largest and oldest providers of home nursing and healthcare services in Australia. Similarly, Silver Chain provides aged, disabled and terminally ill people with personal healthcare services.

The two healthcare providers have worked together towards the merger since last year, with the aim of having a greater influence and positive impact on healthcare in the community; as well an enhanced ability to expand nationally. 

Both organisations enter the merger as equals in strong financial positions, with a combined experience of more than 200 years in healthcare. 

“The merger will enable us to drive services that truly make a difference in the community, within SA, WA, QLD and the rest of Australia,” RDNS SA Chair Anne Skipper said. “The people in the communities we serve will be the winners,” she added.

The merger comes at a time of escalating healthcare demands as existing mechanisms struggle to cope.  The ageing population, increasing chronic and complex conditions and demographic and social inequities in health care provision are key factors.

The merger will benefit clients and communities through the combination of technology, efficiencies, experience and skills of the two entities.

The Board of the joint organisation will comprise four members; each from RDNS SA and Silver Chain as well as two independent members who are yet to be selected.

Ms Skipper will chair the organisation and her deputy will be Silver Chain’s chair, Dr Mary McNulty. 

“The new organisation is about a merger of two great community health providers: both with strong customer focus, research and teaching capabilities; both loved by their local communities; both with the potential to redefine the nature and value of health and care in Australia, now and in the future. It’s about bringing the best from RDNS and Silver Chain together to create one of the first great iconic health services in Australia,” Ms Skipper claims.