CEO Announcement: Narrabri Closure
Monday 24 February 2020
Good morning all,
It is with deep sorrow that I have to announce that Mercy Connect will be withdrawing from Narrabri later this year.
We are immensely proud of the work our Narrabri team is doing at two supported accommodation facilities, noting that some of the participants have particularly challenging needs.
We have taken this decision because local conditions are making it difficult for a service of our small scale and type to remain sustainable over the long term.
Mercy Connect has advised the Narrabri team, participants’ families and support coordinators about the upcoming change, as well as the National Disability Insurance Agency. Importantly, we are in discussions with other providers in the area about how to provide a smooth transition for everyone affected.
I want to personally thank the dedicated team that continues to serve Narrabri residents with skill and care. I hope some of you will be able to take up our offer to redeploy to Mercy Connect services in Orange or Albury when we withdraw from Narrabri. I know that these locations are a long way from home, however, I want you to know how much everyone at Mercy Connect values your work.
Related Questions and Answers:
Q: Why is Mercy Connect Narrabri closing?
A: A range of local conditions are making it difficult for a service of our small scale and type to remain sustainable over the long term. There are other good providers in the area and we are confident our participants will be able to make a smooth transition to alternative providers later this year.
Q: How many participants will be affected?
A: Mercy Connect operates two supported accommodation facilities in Narrabri, providing services to six participants in total.
Q: How many staff will be affected?
A: The Mercy Connect team includes 12 people in Narrabri, including six permanent full-time staff. Staff members have been offered redeployment to Mercy Connect’s Orange and Albury services.
Q: What will happen to the participants of our supported accommodation?
A: Mercy Connect has advised participants’ families and support coordinators about the upcoming change, as well as the National Disability Insurance Agency. While it will be up to each individual participant, their family and support coordinator to choose their next provider, we are in discussions with other providers in the area about how to provide a smooth transition.
Q: Will all the participants currently in the accommodation be able to stay together?
A: Each individual participant, their family and support coordinator will be able to choose their next provider. We are talking to other providers to see whether it might be possible for groups to have the option of remaining in their current locations.
Q: How will you protect the relationships between staff and participants so they have continuity of care?
A: This has been one of the hardest issues to consider in making a decision to withdraw from the service. We are working hard to ensure the smoothest possible transition for participants and staff.
Q: When will the services close?
A: We are planning for a transition by June 2020. The final timing depends on the outcome of our discussions with other potential providers, and the choices made by participants, their families and support coordinators.
Q: Have participants and their families been informed?
A: Yes, Mercy Connect has been in touch with all participants’ families and support coordinators about this decision.
We will continue to share information with you as plans are finalised. If anyone has questions in addition to those answered above, please don’t hesitate to contact me (P: 02 6061 0485) or Felicity Lawes (P: 02 6061 0420 or [email protected])
Together we grow.
Trent Dean
Chief Executive Officer
