Health care services merger could bring $60m aged care boost for Gisborne

MORE than $60 million will be spent on a world-class aged-care village and services in Gisborne should a health care merger be approved.

Gisborne Oaks staff members Robyn Parish and Yvonne Campbell with delighted residents Edna and Shirley. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

MORE than $60 million will be spent on a world-class aged-care village and services should a proposed Macedon Ranges Health merger with Benetas be approved.

The proposed merger needs at least 75 per cent approval from Macedon Ranges Health (MRH) members at a special general meeting next Tuesday.

It’s the final stage in a due diligence process that has taken more than two years, with the partnership to pave the way for massive spending by Benetas over the next eight years.

MRH chief executive Don Tidbury said the merger with the not-for-profit aged-care provider Benetas gave the health service its best chance to meet the challenges of an ageing community.

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t’s proposed the Gisborne Oaks nursing home would be expanded from 75 to 130 beds, while more than 80 units and villas will be created on Macedon Ranges Health-owned land.

“The Macedon Ranges Health board has been searching for more than two years for a high-quality not-for-profit partner able to deliver world’s best-practice aged care,” Mr Tidbury said.

“The southern half of the Macedon Ranges is well over-represented in dementia, while the number of people aged over 80 (is) forecast to more than double in the next 10 years.

“Benetas is the best fit for us with its vision and values and will assist in extending our community and home care services.”

A community stakeholder meeting on October 27 explaining the proposed merger agreement heard that MRH would retain its name and branding.

Benetas chief executive Sandra Hills said her organisation was excited at the prospect of investing in the Macedon Ranges.

“The opportunity represents a significant investment by Benetas, and would see the continued rollout of our new approach to aged care,” she said.

“This approach, which is based on creating environments which are as homelike as possible for older people, is part of our commitment to improving and modernising our services to reflect current best practice.

“It will involve the continued development of our apartment-style living model, where small groups of older people live together with their own modern and spacious bedrooms and ensuites, with shared dining facilities, and communal and private living.”