Mercy Health has communicated that they will offer a “seamless transition” with current staff being offered re-employment contracts and Resident Agreements from Bentley Wood will not be changed.
The Mercy Health organisation has operated in Australia for more than a century and offers acute and subacute hospital care, aged care, mental health programs, specialist women’s healthcare, early parenting services, palliative care, home and community care.
The Bentley Wood homes in Yarrawonga and Myrtleford, another that the organisation has acquired in the north east, are collectively home to more than 200 residents and are a key service in each of the regional communities.
Mercy Health Chief Executive of Healthy Ageing, Clare Douglas, said the acquisitions will build on Mercy Health’s existing aged care footprint in North-East Victoria.
“Expanding to Yarrawonga and Myrtleford is an exciting next step in Mercy Health’s mission to provide compassion and care to more communities across Australia,” Ms Douglas said.
“I am delighted that Mercy Health has the opportunity to be part of the local community and deliver the personalised quality of care and lifestyle activities that define Mercy Health’s mission and approach across its aged care homes.
“We are grateful to the Bentley Wood team for entrusting Mercy Health to continue providing essential aged care services in Yarrawonga and Myrtleford, and we look forward to working with staff, residents of the homes, and their families to ensure a smooth transition to Mercy Health.”
Currently, Mercy Health operates 30 aged care homes across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.
Each home offers individualised and comprehensive care options for residents, empowering them to age in place.
Mercy Health also has a large Support at Home service that operates across the nation, supporting clients to age well at home, for as long as possible.
In a letter to residents, families and staff of Bentley Wood Group Chief Executive Officer Angela Nolan states that Bentley Wood Homes have built a stellar reputation for creating a welcoming and supportive environment for residents, one that reflects a high standard of care.
“We at Mercy Health value and respect the exceptional service already in place, and we are honoured to inherit this proud legacy of care from the Bentley Wood team,” Ms Nolan stated.
“This is an inspiring opportunity, and we consider it a privilege to become a part of these remarkable communities.
“Inspired by the legacy of our founder, Catherine McAuley, and the mission of the Sisters of Mercy, we look forward to working with residents, families and staff to continue delivering a person-centred approach to care provided at Woods Point.
“Our focus will always remain on delivering high-quality care, guided by the values of hospitality, compassion, and respect.
“For residents and their families, we are dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible, hence there will be no immediate changes to day-to-day operations.
“Mercy Health will continue your Resident Agreements from Bentley Wood and your fees and charges will not be changing (outside of the normal reviews by Services Australia and indexation).
“Our goal is to maintain the high standards of care and support that you have come to expect.
“For staff members, we value the incredible work you do, and are committed to a seamless transition into the Mercy Health family.
“All staff will be offered employment with Mercy Health and contracts will be provided by November.
“The home will continue to operate as usual, however, there may be some back-office changes that will need to occur.”
