Autumn Lodge in Armidale, NSW, is seeking expressions of interest for a potential merger.
The provider – which has operated in the northern NSW town in some form since 1896 – is experiencing more complex administration needs, as well as issues relating to COVID-19 and trouble attracting leadership staff, and aims to find a partner while still in good shape as reported in the Armidale Express.
According to Deputy Chair of the Board David Steller, Autumn Lodge does not want to wait three years and potentially run out of capital before it can complete a merger.
“It’s just opportunistic at this time because we do have reasonable assets which will allow for capital development.
“We have made the difficult decision to seek and consider expressions of interest from like-minded not-for-profit organisations to merge operations and services,” he said.
The provider is currently operating at a loss, and has reportedly been unable to attract a suitable CEO, senior finance officer, or director of clinical care for three years. It is currently considering nine potential suitors to take over its operations, with the help of consulting firm Pride Living.
