BATHURST can look forward to a new 130-bed aged care facility if a development application now before council is given the green light.
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The development will be built on the site of the former St Vincent’s Hospital which closed on August 31, 2010.
Catholic Healthcare residential aged care general manager Anne Maree Hodgson said the healthcare provider had been looking at a range of options, eventually deciding to add 99 beds to the existing 27 beds that form part of St Vincent’s Residential Aged Care.
Four additional beds will be provided in the existing Albert Thomas Building as a result of refurbishing.
The beautiful heritage building and gardens will be incorporated into the new facility.
“We always knew there was a point where something needed to be done to meet the expectations of the local community,” Ms Hodgson said.
“Given there was already a small residential facility we looked at how to use that to the best advantage and incorporate it.”
Ms Hodgson said a final costing would be dependent on approval.
At the heart of the development is Catholic Healthcare’s determination to build a residential facility that is as “home-like” as possible, with a cafe, hair salon, a number of small dining areas and all single occupancy rooms with their own bathrooms. All rooms will look out onto gardens.
There will also be a dementia unit with secure outdoor walking areas and courtyards.
“We are moving right away from institutional models,” Ms Hodgson said. “What people want is a home-like environment.”
She said the interior design of the facility would feature soft furnishings and reflect a familiar feel.
The bedrooms will be roomy enough for families to gather in, but there will also be lounge and sitting spaces and a multi-function activities space and prayer room for communal gatherings.
Ms Hodgson said the aim is to create a special kind of atmosphere.
“We really want to bring the community into residential aged care through our salon, cafe and special activities,” she said.
“We want our residents to feel they are still part of their local community.”
Ms Hodgson said Catholic Healthcare would transition the current residents of St Catherine’s over to the new facility when it is completed.
She said the residents had already seen the artist’s impressions and were excited about their new home. She added that St Catherine’s staff were also looking forward to the move.
The new facility will employ around 65 people to care for the residents.
While employment for existing St Catherine’s staff will be provided, Ms Hodgson said excellent opportunities for aged care staff who would like to work at the new facility would be available.
“We have had a long association with Bathurst, and have identified a need in the community for residential aged care,” Ms Hodgson said. “It is time for services to meet customer demand.”
If the DA goes through there are hopes to open the first stage of the development, the new 99-bed facility, in 2017. It will be a facility for the whole community, not just the Catholic sector.
Ms Hodgson said at this stage the Bathurst Private Hospital, which is not affiliated with Catholic Healthcare, would continue to operate from the site.