BY DI SNEDDON
An email by Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi was described as bluff and incorrect by those forcing Mercy Rest Home residents to find somewhere else to live by the end of the month because of its closure.
In no uncertain terms, Mr Repacholi’s email clearly outlined that the Mercy Aged Care Facility in Singleton must remain open until every resident has found suitable accommodation and if that accommodation is Singleton, then the home must remain open until this is accommodated.
Mercy Services issued a letter to residents and their families on Monday telling them to apply to other facilities outside of Singleton because regardless of what they may have heard, the home was definitely closing at 4pm, March 26.
The letter states: ‘We understand that some residents and their families have received information suggesting that the Singleton facility must remain open until all residents have been moved into a home in Singleton of their choosing. This information is incorrect.’
Mr Repacholi has been working behind the scenes to ensure the rights of the residents is being listened to and addressed and says the fear campaign must stop.
Nationals candidate for the seat of Hunter, Sue Gilroy, has known resident John Martin for an exceptionally long time and popped in for a chat last month. A 20-minute conversation extended to 90 minutes with Sue astounded by what is happening.
Sue is a registered nurse and worked in aged care for 10 years at Singleton’s Elizabeth Gates and understands the stress this situation is putting on residents, their relatives and friends and the staff who have worked at the facility for many years.
“The situation is disgusting, these people who have given their life to our community and now being forced to move out of their hometown is outrageous,” said Sue.
“There are many Federal issues to deal with but aged care is hugely neglected, it is not until you are personally in a crisis that you fully understand the big picture and this situation now at the Mercy, needs to be given far more attention and action.
“John and the other residents who must stay in Singleton need to be given the respect and the time for this to happen,” said Sue.
Meanwhile, John says the care at the Mercy continues to be wonderful.
“With reduced staffing it might take a little longer to answer my buzzer but that’s okay, the staff are busy,” said John.
He also added that he is prepared to wait for a space in Singleton and doesn’t want preferential treatment.
“I will be comfortable if I am the last one to go, everyone deserves the right to live in Singleton if this is where they want to be, not just me, but I want to be here, I don’t want to go out of town but it looks like I might have to,” said John.
