CHANGES are coming to the outreach services provided by St Vincent’s in Bathurst, but the details remain unclear.
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The Western Advocate contacted Catholic Healthcare after being approached by a resident who uses the outreach services.
The resident said he understood staff numbers for the services – which include district nurses who visit people in their homes to treat wounds, give injections and provide other assistance – were soon to be cut dramatically.
In response, Catholic Healthcare provided a statement that confirmed changes are on the cards.
“Catholic Healthcare has been in partnership with the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) since 2009,” the statement said.
“As part of this partnership, in Bathurst, Catholic Healthcare operates the ‘St Vincent Outreach Services’ (SVOS).
“The SVOS services are community health services operated by Catholic Healthcare and funded by WNSWLHD.
“At this time, we can confirm that there are proposed changes to this partnership, with the WNSWLHD’s intent to take over the operations of some of the SVOS services, in which they fund.
“The changed agreement still remains subject to some details being finalised, which we are confident will be achieved in coming weeks.
“Until the agreement reaches completion it would be inappropriate for Catholic Healthcare to provide any further details.”
The resident who approached the Advocate said the outreach services keep residents out of hospital.
