STATE GOVERNMENT NURSING HOME CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF CARE
Published Friday, 06 October, 2006 at 11:41 AM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
A State Government nursing home that evolved from an air force barracks is celebrating 60 years as a first-class facility for elderly residents on Brisbane’s northside, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson was speaking at the Eventide Aged Care Facility at Brighton where he joined staff, residents and families to celebrate the home’s 60th anniversary.
“Since its beginnings in 1946 just after the Second World War, Eventide has provided quality care to more than 10,000 elderly residents.”
”I commend present and past staff and volunteers for their valued contribution to Eventide and the difference they have made to the lives of residents and their families.
”This wonderful milestone also highlights the many changes that have occurred at Eventide over the past six decades, and demonstrates how much aged care has progressed.
“When Eventide was first established, residents lived communally in basic huts previously occupied by the Royal Australian Air Force.
“Residents slept and ate in the one area and meals were delivered in old army dixies on the back of trucks.
“Today, Eventide is a first-class 224-bed facility providing residence, health care and a range of recreational activities for the elderly.
“Over time, it has progressively changed and adapted its practices and facilities to meet the changing health care needs of elderley people and high nursing home standards.”
“Eventide has undergone many upgrades over time, including the $13 million redevelopment of Ebbtide and Gannet Houses last year,” he said.
Eventide resident, Iris Kennedy, 89, said she was proud to be part of Eventide’s history.
Ms Kennedy began working at Eventide as a nurse in 1960.
When her nursing career ended in 1979, Iris continued her connection with Eventide on her return to Eventide as a resident in 1991.
“Over the past 15 years I have made many very good friends with other residents and staff,” Ms Kennedy said
“I am very grateful to have my home at Eventide with staff who care so much.”
The official launch of Eventide’s 60th anniversary is part of a week-long series of activities organised to help celebrate the facility’s historical milestone.
6 October, 2006
MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185 or 0409 069 056
Mr Robertson was speaking at the Eventide Aged Care Facility at Brighton where he joined staff, residents and families to celebrate the home’s 60th anniversary.
“Since its beginnings in 1946 just after the Second World War, Eventide has provided quality care to more than 10,000 elderly residents.”
”I commend present and past staff and volunteers for their valued contribution to Eventide and the difference they have made to the lives of residents and their families.
”This wonderful milestone also highlights the many changes that have occurred at Eventide over the past six decades, and demonstrates how much aged care has progressed.
“When Eventide was first established, residents lived communally in basic huts previously occupied by the Royal Australian Air Force.
“Residents slept and ate in the one area and meals were delivered in old army dixies on the back of trucks.
“Today, Eventide is a first-class 224-bed facility providing residence, health care and a range of recreational activities for the elderly.
“Over time, it has progressively changed and adapted its practices and facilities to meet the changing health care needs of elderley people and high nursing home standards.”
“Eventide has undergone many upgrades over time, including the $13 million redevelopment of Ebbtide and Gannet Houses last year,” he said.
Eventide resident, Iris Kennedy, 89, said she was proud to be part of Eventide’s history.
Ms Kennedy began working at Eventide as a nurse in 1960.
When her nursing career ended in 1979, Iris continued her connection with Eventide on her return to Eventide as a resident in 1991.
“Over the past 15 years I have made many very good friends with other residents and staff,” Ms Kennedy said
“I am very grateful to have my home at Eventide with staff who care so much.”
The official launch of Eventide’s 60th anniversary is part of a week-long series of activities organised to help celebrate the facility’s historical milestone.
6 October, 2006
MEDIA: Joshua Cooney 3234 1185 or 0409 069 056