Warley Hospital Closure
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, was advised on 13 December that the board of the Warley Hospital, on Victoria’s Phillip Island, has decided it cannot continue to provide acute and aged care services.
The hospital’s acute services will cease on 31 January 2008. The board will negotiate with another aged care provider to operate its aged care services.
”My paramount concern is for the ongoing safety and welfare of the current residents of the nursing home and any patients of the hospital,” said Ms Roxon.
She is meeting with the board of the Warley Hospital today, 14 December, to discuss the consequences of this decision and to ascertain whether there are any additional matters of which the Australian Government needs to be appraised.
”A key focus of the discussions will be on how to maintain the welfare of current residents of the nursing home through a smooth transition to a new aged care provider. My department is providing support for a clinical adviser and a business adviser, who will be able to support the Warley Hospital through this transition.
”My department will also hold discussions with the Victorian Government about the state-funded, collocated, after-hours GP call and clinic services and any issues arising from the closure of the hospital beds.
“Following my discussions with the Warley Hospital’s board, I will consider whether any other arrangements need to put in place to ensure the safety and welfare of Warley’s patients and residents, and the wider Phillip Island community.”
