General News
16 June, 2023
Gov can’t prevent May Noonan closure
THE Federal Government will support Lyndoch Living through the closure of May Noonan aged care facility, stating it “does not have legislated powers” to intervene and prevent the closure.
Western District Newspapers submitted a number of questions to the Federal Government surrounding its knowledge of Lyndoch Living’s financial woes, if Lyndoch Living had attempted to seek funding to support infrastructure upgrades to the facility which were highlighted as an impediment to the sale of the facility, why sufficient funding was not provided to ensure the future of the facility and if the government could act to save May Noonan from closure.
A federal government spokesperson said Lyndoch Living was within its obligations to shut down May Noonan and relocate residents.
“The Minister understands that the provider will assist residents to relocate from May Noonan to an aged care home of their choice, in line with its obligations under the Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act),” the spokesperson said.
“The Department of Health and Aged Care meets weekly with Lyndoch Living to support them to maintain continuity of care for residents, and to address viability issues.”
The government spokesperson revealed Lyndoch Living had informed the government on May 24 of its plan to shut down May Noonan - seven days before informing residents, their families and the Terang community of the news.
“Lyndoch Living advised the department on May 24, 2023, of its Board’s decision to close May Noonan,” the spokesperson said.
“The department is providing regular updates to Minister for Aged Care (Anika) Wells on Lyndoch Living.”
In March this year Lyndoch Living acting chief executive officer Jill Davidson told Western District Newspapers that if a buyer could not be found for May Noonan, Lyndoch Living had a long-term vision of upgrading the facility.
The spokesperson said Lyndoch Living was being supported by a number of viability support programs, but did not specify if Lyndoch Living sought funding to support May Noonan’s long-term viability or infrastructure upgrades.
“The department is actively working to support Lyndoch Living as part of the Financial Monitoring and Business Assistance Program, to address and understand its financial and operational challenges,” the spokesperson said.
“As a provider in a regional location, from July 1, 2023, Lyndoch Living is expected to receive an increase in Government Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) funding and further support to meet the costs of 24/7 nursing.
“In September and October 2022 Lyndoch Living was awarded Business Improvement Fund (BIF) grants to improve infrastructure and operations.
“The BIF gives short-term grants to eligible aged care providers who are experiencing financial challenges.”
The spokesperson acknowledged the closure of May Noonan would be “distressing” for residents, their families and staff but maintained it had no authority to act.
“The government does not have legislated powers to step in and take over a residential aged care facility that is closing,” the spokesperson said.
“The decision to close the May Noonan facility is ultimately a decision for the Board of Lyndoch Living.
“The department has a range of measures in place to identify, monitor and respond to providers at risk of closure.
“In cases where viability support programs have been unable to prevent a closure, the government’s focus is on ensuring a safe and orderly closure and protecting the care and wellbeing of residents.”
