New providers announced

The appointment of two new service providers has been announced for Moorabool.

As part of its transition out of direct service delivery roles in aged and disability services, Moorabool Shire Council has been informed of the appointment of two new providers to service delivery in the Moorabool community.

Silver Chain Victoria has been appointed by the Commonwealth Government to provide aged care services to residents over 65 years of age and Mecwacare has been appointed by the State Government to provide care for Council’s clients aged under 65 living with a disability. Silver Chain will take on approximately 700 clients, while Mecwacare will transition approximately 40 clients.

Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said although local government will no longer be delivering these services, their priority is making sure those in our community who accessed these services continue to receive a very high standard of care.

“We obviously also had Council staff affected by this decision, and we’re pleased to know both these providers have expressed an interest in potential recruitment of Moorabool staff, which is a great outcome for both staff and clients,” he said.

The appointment of new service providers to Moorabool has occurred as a result of Council’s confirmed decision to cease delivering aged and disability services to Moorabool residents from 1 July this year.

“Council has worked very closely with clients and staff throughout this whole process – they have been the priority – and we will continue to ensure open and transparent communication and a smooth transition for clients and staff,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Once service delivery ceases, Council will continue to have dedicated resources within the organisation, to provide support and information to the local community to ensure service referrals and links to relevant services occur and to help the community navigate the aged care and disability systems.”

Council is now in the process of working closely with Silver Chain and Mecwacare to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for all clients. Letters have been posted to all clients to introduce the new service providers and to further explain the transition.

A change in Federal Government policy arising from the Royal Commission into Aged Care, made it clear that local government does not have a meaningful role to play in the future delivery of aged care services.

“This is demonstrated in other Council’s throughout Victoria also making the same decisions,” Cr Sullivan said.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-05-31/5

in the 31 May 2022 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.