Formal approval for 60-bed nursing home on Mt Henry Hospital site

5/8/97

The State Government has paved the way for a new $5 million nursing home in the metropolitan area.

Health Minister Kevin Prince has formally given approval to Anglican Homes to build a 60-bed nursing home on the Mt Henry Hospital site in Como.

"The replacement of the current facility at Mt Henry will provide frail aged Western Australians with high quality and comfortable new accommodation," Mr Prince said.

"Western Australia's aged population is growing at a rapid rate and the State Government Nursing Home Strategy will address a projected enormous increase in demand for services."

Under an agreement between the Health Department of WA and Anglican Homes, 31 existing Mt Henry residents will be transferred to the new facility.

The State Government will contribute a $277,000 one-off capital grant to assist with the design and construction of the new facility which will be completed mid-1998.

Anglican Homes has signed a 20-year lease for the State Government-owned site. Ownership of the land will then revert to Anglican Homes.

"I expect the result of this partnership will be a first-class facility in Perth's southern suburbs which will offer a range of long-term services including respite and dementia care," Mr Prince said.

"All residents will be able to maintain their privacy by having their own rooms, as well as sharing the company of others in a comfortable and caring environment complete with medical help."

Mr Prince said Anglican Homes would soon talk with existing Mt Henry Nursing Home staff to gauge their interest in working at the new facility.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9221 1377