Tasmanian Aged and Disability Care organisations explore merger

The District Nurses and South Eastern Community Care today announced an intention to merge to strengthen the provision of community services in Tasmania.

Both organisations have a long and shared commitment to providing exceptional care and support to Tasmanians and this proposed move would bring together the rich histories, expertise, and resources of both providers to create even stronger and more comprehensive service for Tasmanians.

With closely aligned values and shared mission, this cooperation will see a newly branded entity enhancing the quality of life for Tasmanians by the provision of best practice care and support.  The new entity would be a major employer of Tasmanians, supported by the combined strengths and capabilities of the partnered service providers.

Chair of The District Nurses, Tim Booker, said that this partnership follows an extensive period of consideration and diligence.

“This announcement follows careful consideration by The District Nurses’ Board regarding which Tasmanian providers would be suitable potential partners to approach for a long-term partnership with a goal of building a more sustainable organisation through scale.  South Eastern Community Care are a Tasmanian provider, their values are closely aligned with ours and they are a not for profit, mission centered organisation like us. In bringing these two organisations together, we can be more effective through building scale and impact, which will serve us well as we navigate a challenging environment.  One of the great things about the provision of care in a not-for-profit context means that as we ultimately make decisions to improve our organisation, the primary beneficiaries of this are the clients that we serve each day. We want to be in a position where we are making intentional decisions for the future. Much work at The District Nurses over the previous 18 months has occurred to improve operations, and this is the next stage of our organisations journey. This partnership will help us to continue to improve and build the quality and reach of our services to our community”.

President of South Eastern Community Care, Kerry Vincent, said the opportunity to enhance care of Tasmanians by Tasmanians has been a focus of the deliberations and his Board’s due diligence considerations.

“We are proud to be proposing this merger as it will ensure we have a Tasmanian Not for Profit entity well placed to deliver exceptional services to the Tasmanian Community into the future. Over a long period of time, we have deliberated, and we are pleased to be partnering with The District Nurses as another like provider of

Community Services who, like us, have a proud history of meeting the needs of our communities. This partnership brings together two like Tasmanian iconic providers. Care and Services to the Tasmanian Community will be enhanced through this partnership”.

Mr Booker and Mr Vincent advised that there are still processes which need to be undertaken before the decisions of both organisations is officially agreed. Engagement with all stakeholders about this proposed partnership is underway, and communication will continue as these processes are worked through.

“Importantly, as we move through this process and beyond, our valued clients should note the exceptional services expected from both District Nurses and South Eastern Community Care will continue. Similarly, the proposed merger will not impact our dedicated and hard-working front-line employees who deliver our services to the community,” Mr Booker and Mr Vincent said.

The District Nurses, formerly known as Hobart District Nursing Service, has been providing community nursing and in-home healthcare support for people of all ages since 1896 and is one of Tasmania’s oldest community organisations. It provides a range of services, including home support and home care, community nursing, palliative care and end of life care, restorative care as well as domestic and social support.

South Eastern Community Care was formed in 1970 by a group of community representatives to support ageing community members. The organisation services southern Tasmania from Central Highlands to Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Sorell to Tasman, as well as down to the Huon Valley. It provides disability and aged care programs including in-home respite, home and community care, group programs and nursing services for people with acute and chronic conditions needing post-hospital care.

Both organisations are excited about the opportunities that this partnership presents and are committed to a smooth transition for all clients and staff.

Further information contact Rohan Wade at Timmins Ray on 0417 051 255