10 December 2008

Minister supports retention of QVM Nursing Home

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, today confirmed aged care services at the Queen Victoria Memorial Nursing Home (QVMH) would be retained on the existing site despite a transfer of ownership.

During a visit to the site with the Member for Wollondilly, Phillip Costa, Mr Della Bosca said NSW Health was currently investigating zoning options to ensure the site's future.

"My colleague, Phil Costa, has asked me to visit the site today and I am convinced that aged care services should remain in this current location - no matter who the new owners are," the Minister said

"I share his view and that of the Wollondilly Council and local community that providing aged care on this site is essential.

"I have asked NSW Health to examine development options for the whole site as part of the transfer process.

"This includes looking at re-zoning options for the land and adjacent blocks to ensure that any new ownership of the site would be bound by a requirement to provide aged care services.

"I understand Wollondilly Shire Council is supportive of this approach," Mr Della Bosca said.

"Ideally there is potential for this site to provide three levels of aged care - also known as 'ageing in place,' however this would depend on market interest.

"Health will consult with the council, the NSW Department of Planning and the local community to achieve the best possible outcome," he said.

Mr Della Bosca said QVMH was one of several facilities being transferred to the non-government sector.

"In Australia, the majority of Aged Care facilities are operated by the non-government sector with funds from the Commonwealth," the Minister said. "Over recent years, the State Government has been progressively transferring state-owned nursing homes to the private and not-for-profit sectors.

"The non-government sector has developed significant specialised expertise in delivering quality residential services for frail older people.

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