Official opening of redeveloped John Mercer Nursing Home in Hilton

22/9/99
Comfort, privacy and respect for the dignity of older people were central to developments in Western Australian aged care, Health Minister John Day said today.
Mr Day today officially opened the redeveloped John Mercer Nursing Home in Hilton, owned and operated by the Silver Chain Nursing Association.
The redevelopment reflects a departure from institutional style aged care accommodation.
"The old John Mercer Nursing Home had very few single rooms, and none of them had private ensuites," the Minister said.
"The new John Mercer Nursing Home has 48 big single rooms, each with ensuites and air-conditioning, and gives residents the comfort and privacy they deserve.
"They show respect for the dignity of older people which is central to the State Government's policy for quality care closer to home and in the community."
Mr Day said Western Australia's ageing population meant quality aged care would remain among the State Government's top priorities.
"The new health care system in WA is characterised by flexible services closer to home and in the community and is informed by the same people who use the services telling us what they need," he said.
"This is why we invest in the order of $32 million each year in home and community care services for seniors.
"It is why we supported the redevelopment of John Mercer Nursing Home by investing more than $1.4 million."
The old John Mercer Nursing Home was built in the early 1970s to an institutional dormitory model.
The Health Department of Western Australia and Silver Chain decided in 1996 to redevelop the site, rather than simply upgrade existing facilities.
The project cost a total of $4.4 million. Other funds came from the Lotteries Commission which contributed $175,000 and a State Government loan facility of up to $730,000, and Silver Chain.
Media contact: Mark Thompson 9213 6600