Southern Cross Care closes Harden facility

Aged care provider Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT has announced it will close its St Lawrence Residential Aged Care in Harden in the South West Slopes in the coming months.

The 45-bed facility is one of three aged care facilities SCC operates in the local government area along with facilities in Young and Cootamundra.

SCC provides 185 of the 330 aged care beds in this area.

SCC said in a statement that despite Australia’s increasing ageing population, demand for aged care beds at St Lawrence has been below industry average for  the past three years.

“This reflects Harden’s smaller population and the oversupply of services in the area,” SCC said in a statement.

“The necessary and significant capital investment in the Murrumburrah-Harden Health Service has delivered a local modern aged care service with 24-hour clinical care with up to 33 beds,” SCC said.

There is also an industry-wide shortage of skilled health professionals and aged care staff in regional areas, the provider organisation said.

SCC chief executive officer Helen Emmerson said it was a difficult time for residents and staff, and the organisation recognised the impact this had on the community.

“Supporting our residents, their families and staff is a key focus at this time. We will work closely with residents and their families to identify alternative accommodation and care services during this transition – either within Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT facilities or with other providers,” she said.

SCC said it was committed to providing quality care to regional NSW and will maximise its focus on its Young and Cootamundra homes.

Main image: Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT’s St Lawrence Residential Aged Care in Harden.

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