Minister endorses aged care changes

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg says changes to aged care announced today by the Metro North Hospital and Health Board must be managed carefully to protect the interests of residents and staff, while delivering the best results for taxpayers.

Mr Springborg said the HHS Board recognised that others were better equipped to deliver aged care in the metro north region.

The strategy to transfer care of the elderly from the state-run system into the mainstream, where not-for-profit and independent operators are the benchmark, will enable the HHS to focus its attention on core elements of hospital and health service delivery.

"The HHS Chair, Dr Paul Alexander, has briefed me on the strategy and given assurances that affected residents, their families and loved ones will be treated with compassion and kept fully informed of the process,” Mr Springborg said.

Mr Springborg said the Brighton facility was one of several state-run aged care facilities now operated by Hospital and Health Services across Queensland.

"Local factors will determine the best strategies for the future of these aged care facilities in every case,” he said.

“Local Boards are best positioned to size up the needs of the community and the most appropriate arrangements for aged care as part of the local mix of health-related services.”

 [ENDS] 18 October 2012

 Contact: Cameron Thompson 0407-585230