More NSW nursing homes to be privatised
NSW Government has confirmed it will transfer three nursing homes in the Hunter Valley region to the non-government sector help control costs. A total of eleven nursing homes will be transferred across NSW.
The transfers of aged-care homes in Wallsend, Muswellbrook and Gloucester and sale of any surplus land were confirmed in last week’s mini-budget.
Newcastle Trades Hall Council secretary Gary Kennedy said the council did not support privatisation in any form and thought it was doubtful the private sector could run aged care any better.
“If they can do it cheaper, they have to be cutting costs somewhere,” Mr Kennedy said.
Thirteen state-owned nursing homes have already been transferred to the non-government sector.
A spokeswoman for Health Minister John Della Bosca said care of the residents in the homes to be transferred would not be compromised.
The Government would seek expressions of interest for organisations to acquire the aged-care places.
“While the timing of this process hasn’t been determined, decisions will be made on a facility-by-facility basis and in consultation with the views of the community,” she said.
