Trust open-minded about bid to save rest home
A group of supporters and business people has launched a last-ditch attempt to retain elder care services at the Joan Whiting Rest Home in Collingwood.
The Joan Whiting Trust says that it is remaining open-minded about the proposal, pending a meeting on 1 October, but reaffirms its commitment in principle to the integration of health services in the Bay.
“The group of supporters has outlined a specific proposal, but the board and the group will meet on 1 October for detailed discussions,” said Joan Whiting Trust chair Chris Mitson. “I want to emphasise that our position in regard to integration is unchanged – we’re committed in principle. We believe that we have an obligation to the community to listen to any or all proposals that affect facilities as important to the community as the Joan Whiting Rest Home.”
The chair of the Interim Management Group (IMG) of the integration project is John Peters, who is CEO of the NMDHB. He responded cautiously but positively to news of the proposal.
“The key thing here is the retention of rest home services in the Bay,” he said. “In the event that these can be provided on an ongoing basis by the Joan Whiting Trust then the IMG respects the trustees’ role and right to make these decisions.
“At the same time, we will be keen to get from the trust a final decision on their support for bringing the rest home into the integrated service. This will need to happen in a timely fashion. Our focus is the retention of services and we would continue without the Joan Whiting Trust as the objectives of integrated health services remain sound. For example one of our objectives is health services for the frail elderly in the Bay.”
If the proposal was to lead to the retention of the Joan Whiting Rest Home on its present site there could be some competition for staff in the Bay, said Mr Peters.
“But, if that’s what’s decided, that’s what we’ll work with,” he said. “We’ll re-work the business case to assess the effects of their withdrawal, based on a changed facility size. We’d need to maintain a design that allows for the rest home wing to be expanded with future resilience firmly in mind.”
In the meantime, Joan Whiting Trust chair Chris Mitson announced the return of Pete Watkins to the board.
“Pete has agreed to come back as treasurer and I’m delighted,” said Mr Mitson. “We’re still looking for two trustees who would like to join us at this crucial stage. It’s a challenging job as we face looming decisions on integration and the best way to provide continuing rest home care in the Bay for our older folk. Anyone wanting more details or wanting to offer themselves or to suggest other suitable candidates should contact me on 524 8613.” Neil Wilson
