A united family expands

A Uniting focus for rebranded aged care village in Kingscliff

Uniting Kingscliff Service Manager Jenny Beisler and Uniting Executive Director Peter Worland. Picture: Daniel McKenzie

RESIDENTS at a Kingscliff retirement village are set to be the big winners of a Uniting Aged Care takeover of the previous Blue Care facility.

The Uniting group claimed ownership of previous Blue Care site, Amaroo, in Tweed Heads in June and added the Kingscliff site as part of the transfer of all management of Blue Care services in NSW to Uniting, the counterpart of UnitingCare Queensland in NSW and the ACT.

After launching last week, director of residential and health care services Saviour Buhagiar said while there were future plans for the redevelopment of both sites, the group would focus on the Kingscliff centre's viability.

"Our main interest at the moment is trying to consolidate operations here at Kingscliff and in the community,” Mr Buhagiar said.

"It's important to keep promoting the site and investing in it, making sure it's a viable site for the people who work and live here.

"That's our main interest and we'll go from there.”

Service manager Jenny Beisler said there was excitement around the centre, with new equipment and initiatives a focus.

"Thirty new low beds have come in which we've never had before and a list of equipment, and most exciting for residents: a new bus,” Ms Beisler said.

"Lots of improvements are coming in, centred on what the residents want and need. It shows we care and provides residents with dignity.”

Mr Buhagiar said a focus of the Kingscliff centre's takeover was accommodating existing staff.

"Some transitioned back to Blue Care from here, some didn't come along with us, but the majority of staff came along. We wanted to apply some continuity for staff and residence,” he said.

The site currently caters for 91 residents.

Uniting Kingscliff opening 13-12-2016 09.57

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