By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON City Council has expressed its extreme disappointment at the recent announcement that local nursing home Reg Geary House, operating under the governance of Western Health, will be closed.
Late last week, the council received notification from Western Health of its plans to close Reg Geary House, effective 30 June next year.
In a statement released to the media, Western Health said the closure was a result of the very small size of the service – with only 30 beds – and the fact it will soon be unable to meet the stringent accreditation standards of the Commonwealth.
The facility has 14 single rooms, eight double rooms, and eight bathrooms, with all residents being required to share bathroom facilities.
Melton City Council mayor Bob Turner said the council was concerned with the situation.
“We are disappointed that Western Health has made the decision to close Reg Geary
House as it provides a valuable service to members of our community. However, we understand why Western Health has made this decision,” Cr Turner said.
Cr Turner called on the State and Federal health ministers to take appropriate action to address the extreme shortage of nursing home beds within Melbourne’s West and in particular Melton.
“In recent years we have seen significant expenditure in prisons in our region, however we would really like to see more investment in our health care system, including aged care facilities for our ageing population. These are residents who have made significant contributions to their community and deserve better at this time in their lives.”
Western Health executive director of operations Russell Harrison said the organisation is committed to doing everything possible to make the transition as smooth as it can be for the residents.
“Every resident will have the assistance of a staff member who will work with them and their family, to consider their preferences and look at a range of options,” Mr Harrison said.
“The care of the residents between now and the time of the closure will continue to be of the highest standard and the well-being of the residents is our paramount concern.”
