Regional partnerships in northwest NSW

A large provider is establishing business partnerships with community facilities in regional areas to improve their viability.

A NSW provider has recently entered into a series of partnership agreements with regional aged care facilities in the state’s northwest.

Facilities in Wee Waa, Walgett and Bourke have made arrangements with the Whiddon Group recently and a similar agreement has been in place Narrabri for some time.

According to the director of care services at three of the facilities, Maree Taylor, the model works because the Whiddon Group is able to build strong working relationships with community advisory committees and local health services.

The group is responsible for the day-to-day running of the facilities but the local community boards continue to shape the homes’ directions.

“The Whiddon Group understands how important it is for rural and remote communities to have a say in how their local aged care facility is run,” she said.

“[It] bring solid management expertise and a sound knowledge of the legislative standards to each partnering relationship.

“The people in these areas are looking for some extra assistance with the increasing legislative requirements for aged care.”

Ms Taylor said the Whiddon Group is also able to provide training opportunities to the local community.

“This stimulates employment in the local area and helps to ensure that country towns remain viable,” she said.

The Whiddon Group is a not-for-profit organisation which provides aged care to 1,600 residential clients at 24 facilities in NSW.

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