Up to 70 jobs in aged care sector at risk due to changes
UP to 70 of the 220 jobs at risk in the health services restructure are expected to be in the aged care sector, as the Wide Bay Health and Hospital Service moves to privatise management of an in-home care service for the elderly.
Wide Bay Health and Hospital Services announced on Thursday it would seek expressions of interest to run the Home and Community Care program.
The service employs about 40 people on the Fraser Coast, with another 30-40 in Bundaberg and rural centres.
It is designed to keep elderly people in their homes for longer and incudes nursing care, help with cleaning, washing and shopping, personal care and social support.
Together union regional organiser Donna Webster said the future of the program's staff was unclear because management wasn't speaking to the unions.
WBHHS chief executive Adrian Pennington said by transferring the HACC service, the hospital and health service would be able to concentrate on its core business of hospital services.
"It is important to reiterate that clients receiving HACC services currently will see little or no difference to the service they receive, and staff will have options available to them regarding ongoing employment," he said.
