26 August 2009

Garrawarra Centre

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, visited Garrawarra Centre today to reassure families of patients and staff over the future of the facility.

“Thirteen aged care providers have been invited to submit detailed proposals which may lead to the transfer of Garrawarra Centre to a non-government organisation,” the Minister said.

“Ninety-eight per cent of aged care facilities in Australia are run by non-government providers, funded by the Commonwealth, so it makes sense for the remaining 12 State-run facilities, including Garrawarra, to operate on the same basis as long as the operators can meet our high standards.

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

Particular emphasis has been and continues to be placed on:
• Aged care places staying in the local township and in Garrawarra’s case, on the existing site;
• Ensuring continued provision of quality care to residents, particularly high care, into the future; and
• Supporting staff throughout and beyond the transfer process (they retain all their entitlements).

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

The organisations are:
Baptist Community Services NSW & 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 & Citizens
RSL Life Care
Southern Cross Care
The Forrest Centre
Twilight Aged Care

Mr Della Bosca said more detailed proposals are to be received by the end of September 2009.

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

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

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

“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,” the Minister said.

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

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