Whiddon and Lithgow Aged Care have ended a partnership announced in December last year which could have lead to a transfer of ownership for the beleaguered carer.
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Lithgow Aged Care director Olwyn King said in December last year that it would be working, with the assistance of Whiddon, to release itself from sanctions, which were imposed in 2019.
Under the terms of the sanctions, handed down by the Department of Health and Ageing in 2019, Lithgow Aged Care could not take any new residents for six months, a term which will expire in February. A clinical and education advisor and an administrator were required to be brought into the organisation.
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Whiddon CEO, Chris Mamarelis issued a statement to the Lithgow Mercury regarding the decision.
"Over the past few months, Whiddon has been conducting due diligence and exploring a possible pathway for the transition of ownership of Lithgow Aged Care to Whiddon," Mr Mamarelis said.
"Following an intensive review period and after careful consideration, Whiddon has made the difficult decision to bring discussions for the potential ownership transfer to a close.
"Given a number of very complex matters that continue to evolve, and despite the best intentions of both Boards to bring this transfer to fruition, Whiddon is unable to identify a pathway forward that will ensure residents and employees are prioritised on transition. It is for this reason that the difficult decision has been made to withdraw from discussions.
"Whiddon acknowledges and respects the hard work that has been done by both organisations to date and is genuinely grateful to the employees, residents, community and the Lithgow Aged Care Board, for their support."
Whiddon is also in partnership with Mudgee aged carer Pioneer House.
The Lithgow Mercury has reached out to Lithgow Aged Care Chairperson Olwyn King for comment.