Southern Cross Care is currently reducing staff hours at its Harden facility.
Southern Cross Care, the company responsible for the running of Harden’s St Lawrence Residential Aged Care facility, is understood to be undergoing a number of changes. The Times understands that due to difficulties in reaching profitability throughout some of the company’s 31 locations, staff are at risk of losing hours. It is not known if job losses are to occur. The Health Services Union received a letter from the company advising that a ‘Major Workplace Change’ would be occurring. That letter said that a reduction in Commonwealth Government funding for Aged Care services means changes would be implemented to rosters at a number of Residential Aged Care Facilities.
As one of the largest employers in town, there is no doubt that the future of the facility will be of concern to a great number of residents. Southern Cross Care was established as a not-for-profit in 1970 by the Knights of the Southern Cross, a group of Catholic laymen dedicated to improving lives in the community. They care for more than 3,500 clients across 31 locations in NSW and the ACT. The facility was initially housed in Galong, but moved to Harden Murrumburrah a number of years ago, and is home to dozens elderly residents. The former home at Galong will now be used as a drug rehabilitation facility.
Southern Cross care released the following statement to the Times: “Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) has a long-term commitment to the people of Harden and to the ongoing viability and success of our St Lawrence Facility at Harden. We recently informed all our staff across NSW & ACT of the increasing pressures impacting aged care operators. Today Federal Government funding makes up 75% of our residential care revenue. With the tightening of government spending on aged care, all operators are being called upon to balance budgets within the funds available. We operate 31 aged care facilities across NSW and the ACT and two-thirds of our services are located outside Sydney in regional locations and present challenges because of the remoteness of some services.
As in the case of Harden, we have always had a policy of cross-subsidising some regional homes, recognising that some will always struggle to make a profit, however the situation at present is one that we must manage prudently and effectively. The reductions to staff hours has been across a number of our homes, not only in Harden. At the close of the financial year last week, a number of our homes recorded an operational deficit – St Lawrence is one of those. This outcome is consistent with the aged care industry performance across Australia where it is estimated that almost 50% are operating at a loss. In many homes, our care ratios are currently much higher than industry benchmarks.
Therefore, we can adjust hours to match the care needs of residents at each location better and still ensure they continue receiving the best possible care. We have worked with staff to protect as many jobs as possible, in some cases by minimising hours across the board. Additionally, we have sought to help any staff impacted with alternative opportunities. We acknowledge the good work and loyalty of our staff in Harden and their ongoing commitment to residents. We want to reassure residents, families and the community that with these roster changes in place we are still delivering more hours of care than the industry benchmark. Resident care and well-being are always our number one priority, and we will not compromise on the quality of our service. Looking to the future, Southern Cross Care is committed to our future in Harden. We have a strong balance sheet and an excellent team managing the organisation. By making these difficult, but necessary adjustments now, we will continue as a successful and respected age care provider well into the future.”
