By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
MELTON City Council has vowed to continue the battle to keep Reg Geary House open.
At last week’s council meeting a report was tabled, outlining the recommendations for the council and the latest proceedings in the matter.
In October 2013, Western Health announced it would close the 30-bed nursing home in June this year due to the council-owned building no longer meeting the needs of residents.
At the meeting, council officers assured residents that the council would continue to work with Western Health in the hope the facility can remain open. However, Maurie Heaney admitted the building was in need of extensive renovation.
Melton mayor Bob Turner questioned the possibility of the facility remaining a viable service provider.
Mr Heaney said in its current form it was not manageable as a service provider but might be renovated or extended in the future to make it a 90-bed facility.
Presently, the number of residents at the facility has dwindled to 14.
Western Health has assured residents and their families that staff will work with them a suitable relocation option.
Executive director of Operations Russell Harrison said every resident would have the assistance of a staff member who would work with them and their family, to consider their preferences and look at a range of options.
“The care of the residents between now and the time of the closure will continue to be of the highest standard and the wellbeing of the residents is our paramount concern,” Mr Harrison said.
