MAKK AND McLEAY NURSING HOME

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health) (14:30): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement regarding the management of Makk and McLeay Nursing Home.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: On 1 April 2008 I advised the chamber of my intention to seek a not-for-profit, non-government organisation approved aged care provider to assist in the management of the Makk and McLeay Nursing Home in partnership with Central Northern Adelaide Health Service. I am pleased to inform the chamber that after consideration of tenders one of Australia's most experienced nursing home operators has been assisting in the management of the state-run Makk and McLeay Nursing Home. As of Monday 14 April, ACH, which has been managing nursing homes and residential facilities for the aged in South Australia for over 50 years, joined in partnership with the government to assist in the day-to-day management of Makk and McLeay.

This is a positive step forward for residents at Makk and McLeay and will help ensure that the process of improving ongoing services to residents continues. Organisations such as ACH bring with them extensive expertise in aged care best practice. This expertise provides an excellent opportunity for staff to improve their knowledge and skills for the ongoing management of the complex needs of residents at the home and also will be helpful in the continual improvement processes currently underway.

I am also pleased to advise that the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency (ACSAA) has provided accreditation to Makk and McLeay Nursing Home until October 2008 in recognition of the ongoing movements being made to meet accreditation standards. The nursing home is working hard to ensure a smooth transition to the new management partnership, while continuing to provide optimum care for these residents with very complex needs.