Inverell-based aged care provider McLean Care has announced plans to transition its residential and home-care services to a new provider, citing mounting financial pressures across the regional aged care sector, as well as the exit of its CEO.
The not-for-profit organisation confirmed it intends to transition its full suite of services, including residential aged care, independent living units, home-care services and its virtual healthcare hub iAge Health, as it responds to rising operating costs and increasing regulatory demands.
McLean Care’s origins date back to the 1930s, when founder Hector McLean established a convalescent home in Inverell to support new mothers living on rural properties. It now operates 370 residential aged care beds across six facilities in Inverell, Guyra and Gunnedah in northern NSW, as well as Oakey and Milmerran in southern Queensland. The organisation also operates 82 independent living units co-located with its residential facilities, provides at-home care services across NSW, Queensland and Victoria, and runs the iAge Health virtual service connecting people in regional and remote areas with healthcare professionals.
Board Chair Manuel Meszaros said the decision was made to protect the long-term future of services in regional communities.
“Unfortunately, the pressures on aged care providers, especially in regional areas, mean McLean Care’s operations are no longer viable under our current operating model,” Mr Meszaros said.
“The Board has made the difficult decision to seek new providers and operators of McLean Care’s facilities and services. This process will be led by expert financial and legal advisers with support from the Commonwealth Government.”
Mr Meszaros said McLean Care would seek new providers aligned with the organisation’s mission and commitment to high-quality care.
“We will be seeking potential new providers that are aligned to our mission-led ethos, committed to high-quality care and resident wellbeing, and have the financial resources necessary to operate successfully into the future,” he said.
McLean Care said there would be no immediate impact on residents, clients or services during the transition process.
“There will be no impact on our residential aged care facilities or home-care services. These will continue to operate as normal during the process and we will be working toward a seamless transition to new providers,” Mr Meszaros said.
“We are in close communication with residents, families, home-care clients and employees on this decision and will continue to keep them informed as the process unfolds.”
The organisation employs more than 700 full-time, part-time and casual staff across its operations.
In a separate announcement, McLean Care confirmed long-serving chief executive Sue Thomson will step away from her role for personal reasons, effective 12 February. Aged care industry leader Jill Davidson has been appointed Interim CEO to guide the organisation through the transition.
“The Board would like Sue to have led the organisation through the transition process, but we respect her decision,” Mr Meszaros said.
“Sue has made an enormous contribution to McLean Care over more than 17 years with the group, including 12 as CEO. She will be missed by our community, and we wish her well for the future.”
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