21 July 2009

Nursing Home tenders

Thirteen aged care providers have been invited to submit detailed proposals which may lead to the transfer of the remaining State-run nursing homes to non-government organisations.

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, said 98 per cent of aged care facilities in Australia are run by non-government providers, funded by the Commonwealth.

“It makes sense for the remaining 11 State-run facilities to operate on the same basis as other aged care facilities, as long as the operators can meet our high standards,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“It will enable NSW Health to concentrate on its core responsibilities,” he said.

The remaining 11 State-run nursing homes are:

Queen Victoria Memorial Home
Governor Phillip Nursing Home
Garrawarra Centre
Wallsend Aged Care Facility
Hillcrest Nursing Home Gloucester
Murrumburrah-Harden Aged Care Facility
Kimbarra Lodge, Gloucester
Corowa Aged Care Facility
Muswellbrook Aged Care Facility
Holbrook Aged Care Facility
Leeton Aged Care Facility (Carramar)

Particular emphasis has been and continues to be placed on:

• Aged care places staying in the local township;
• Ensuring continued provision of quality care to residents, particularly high care, into the future; and
• Supporting staff throughout and beyond the transfer process.

The Minister said the 13 selected organisations have demonstrated proven capacity and strong experience to meet the care requirements of existing and future residents.

The organisations are:

Baptist Community Services NSW and ACT
Catholic Care Hunter-Manning
Gosford RSL Leisure Living
Greater Hume Shire Council
Hammond Care
Illawarra Retirement Trust
Little Company of Mary
Moran
Port Stephens Veterans and Citizens
RSL Life Care
Southern Cross Care
The Forrest Centre
Twilight Aged Care

“The proposals will only be accepted if the operators prove they can deliver positive outcomes for residents, families, staff and the health system,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“If they can’t do that, the nursing homes will continue to be operated by NSW Health.”

More detailed proposals are to be received by the end of September 2009.

“The evaluation process is expected to be completed by the end of the year with final decisions on any successful proponents in early 2010,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“Regular updates regarding the tender process are being provided to residents, their families and carers, staff and interested stakeholders, and via the NSW Health website.

“Following advice from the Wesley Mission regarding its intention to change the focus of services at its Dundas site by June 2012, the aged care places and services provided by the Lottie Stewart Hospital have been added to the project list.

“NSW Health is currently working towards the placement of residents and vacating the Lottie Stewart Hospital site, as requested by the Wesley Mission, by 2012,” the Minister said.

Further information is available at:
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/nursinghomes/index.asp

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au