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OFFICIAL OPENING MEANS MORE AGED CARE BEDS FOR FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
Senator Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, officially opened Ozcare’s $8m redeveloped Aged Care Facility at Port Douglas which provides accommodation for 74 elderly people.
Over 135 guests attended the opening ceremony which celebrated the completion of a 3 year project, built in response to the shortage of residential aged care beds and the needs of the North Queensland community.
Senator McLucas commended Ozcare, it’s staff and volunteers for the quality of the facility which so many people can now call their home.
“Ozcare has created a fantastic environment, ensuring that residents of this community can benefit from ageing-in-place.
“Ozcare Port Douglas offers low care, high care and special care which means people can stay in their familiar surroundings as their levels of need increase.
The official opening ceremony included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque as well as a Blessing by Bishop James Foley from Cairns.
“The Catholic Diocese is very pleased to see this facility redeveloped and managed by Brian Lenz and his Staff at Ozcare, who have the expertise necessary to operate successfully in the specialised area of Aged Care,” he said.
Chairman Matthew Vanderbyl said that Ozcare’s Board was pleased to be able to present the facility as a home-like environment for those who come to live at Ozcare Port Douglas.
“It is important that residents feel at home, while receiving the best possible care to suit their needs,” he said.
According to Senator McLucas, staffing Aged Care Facilities is a challenge, and the Federal Government has now announced a program to encourage trained nurses back into the workforce, by paying individuals $6,000 towards the upgrade of their qualifications.
In addition, Ozcare offers a Graduate Nurse Program for nurses wanting the opportunity to upskill and gain experience in the specialty Aged Care area, as well as Traineeships for other Staff to upskill.
Ozcare is a leading not-for-profit provider of aged care, health and human services, assisting over 9,000 Queenslanders every day.
For further information on employment and accommodation with Ozcare, phone Director of Nursing Chris Mulligan on 4087 2800.
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For further information media contact:
Mary-Louise North: Manager Communications & Liaison, Phone: 07 3028 9163: Mobile: 0418 744 877
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Published Date: November 13, 2008 Printed from http://www.ozcare.org.au/page/About_Us/Media_Releases/OFFICIAL_OPENING_MEANS_MORE_AGED_CARE_BEDS_FOR_FAR_NORTH_QUEENSLAND/ © Ozcare |
Contact Ozcare: Ph:(07) 3028 9000; Fax:(07) 3028 9199 |