Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for their support while I have transitioned into the role of Interim Chief Operating Officer at Blue Haven.
I clearly join Blue Haven at a delicate time for everyone involved, with the news we are exploring the options around sell, lease, joint venture or keep Blue Haven understandably causing concerns for many of you. Additionally aged care broadly has and remains an industry drawing much (deserved) attention within government, industry and the media.
My role is to limit your concerns as much as possible and work with the staff to focus on the improvements that have been identified at Blue Haven in recent months. With 134 residential aged care places, 260+ independent living units and 120 Federal in-home care packages with further 500 home support and community transport clients, Blue Haven is a sizeable organisation for a single service provider.
Blue Haven is a long-standing organisation in the local Kiama community and I am looking forward to assisting it and everyone involved navigate through the current situation. I have attended several meetings and met many of you and look forward to further meetings and discussions (See ‘Progress on Blue Haven Consultation’ below). Please don’t hesitate to contact me on (02) 4203 4055 or enquiries@bluehavencare.com.au to discuss any concerns you may have.
Additionally for staff, please feel free to access the Employee Assistance Program on 1300 361 008 or online (https://kacey.kiama.nsw.gov.au/For-employees/Your-wellbeing/Employee-Assistance-Program). For residents, clients and families you also have access to the Seniors Rights Service on 1 800 424 079, an independent external information and advocacy body for seniors. Seniors Rights Service are the NSW office of the national OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network).
I want to thank you all for your valued efforts and all that you do. Your commitment and dedication to Blue Haven have not gone unnoticed and they make all the difference.
I am looking forward to the opportunity of serving as COO for Blue Haven and working together over the next coming months.
Regards,
Joe Gaudiosi