15 October 2024
Broken Hill, or “The Silver City” as it’s also known, is a mining town on the desert’s edge in far western New South Wales. It’s 1,200 kilometres from Sydney, just 48 kilometres from the South Australian border and built around one of Australia’s oldest mines.
It’s also home to Southern Cross Care Broken Hill (SCCBH); a collection of four Residential Aged Care Homes and 3 Retirement Living Villages in both Broken Hill and Mildura, founded by the Knights of the Southern Cross in 1974.
Following an audit by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQASC) at two of the Broken Hill Residential Aged Care Homes in early 2023, several areas for improvement were identified. With the increased compliance and statutory obligations placed on approved providers of aged care, their current systems and practices were no longer considered up to standard. Southern Cross Care Queensland (SCCQ) stepped in to help our Broken Hill counterparts, entering into a partnership to provide practical assistance in reviewing and upgrading work practices and processes.
Over the past few months, Southern Cross Care Qld has helped the Broken Hill team by leveraging our expertise in rural and remote aged care to review their systems and processes. Together, we’ve been able to evolve practices to meet regulatory requirements, and most importantly, deliver the best care experience possible for the people SCCBH serve within their community.
SCCQ CEO Jason Eldering commended the achievement, “I’m very pleased to report that following recent reaccreditation assessments by the Aged Care Commission, both homes under audit have met all Quality standards and requirements, with the exception of one area of non-compliance which is promptly being addressed.
“I would like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of all staff who have worked together to reach such an outstanding outcome for the Broken Hill community. I would especially like to recognise and thank Robyn Daskein from our Qld Quality team who dedicated seven months in Broken Hill as the Acting Residential Manager, supporting the team there to strengthen services and quality standards, and has done a remarkable job,” said Jason.
A new regional General Manager, Larni Baird, has now been appointed and is looking forward to helping shape an exciting future for the SCCBH.
“We want to build on the strong foundation that has been established here in Broken Hill over the past 50 years,” Larni said, as they prepare to celebrate this significant milestone anniversary this month within their community.
“Alongside SCCQ, we’ve been working with the government to secure additional funding, which will enable us to invest in systems and in our people to ensure our sustainability into the future,” said Larni.
As we move forward, our focus will be on continuing to strengthen this partnership, ensuring sustainable growth, and providing the highest standard of care for the Broken Hill community well into the future.
SCC St Anne’s Residential Aged Care home, Broken Hill.
