The Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in NSW have announced the closure and sale of its independent living units and aged care facility in East Gosford on the NSW Central Coast and the sale of its aged care facility Westcott in Stockton, Newcastle.
It also announced operational changes at its head office in Surry Hills, Sydney, to reduce operating and overhead costs. The Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in NSW said the decisions ensures the church’s financial viability “for the long term”.
The decisions follow the action of the Presbyterian Church of Queensland placing itself into receivership due to its investments in retirement living and aged care. Aged care provider Apollo Care bought three regional PresCare facilities.
The Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in NSW said have made a number of decisions to refocus services on mission and financial viability
Jeof Falls, Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW General Manager, said the 39-bed small aged care facility in East Gosford (main photo) “cannot compete with other providers in the area without increasing the size of the small rooms and expanding into high care – neither of which is possible on such a tight space.”
“We will assist residents and staff to find alternate placements as the facility winds down for sale. The closure and sale will also impact on the 35 people living in the independent living units, and we will work with local providers to find alternate affordable housing places,” Mr Falls said.
He said the 120-bed Westcott aged care facility (photo above) “has a unique financial operating model which no longer fits the preferred approach of Presbyterian Aged Care”, adding the newly renovated facility is likely to attract another provider.
“We would hope for a seamless transition to the new provider with continuity for residents and staff,” said Mr Falls.
“The sale of the premises at East Gosford and the ongoing facility at Wescott will not happen tomorrow. We hope it will happen over the course of the next six months or so, which will allow time for residents, their families and staff to adjust and to relocate with our support if required or desired.”
