UnitingCare Queensland has become the fortieth member and the first non-Catholic provider to join Catholic Health Australia, the country's largest non-government grouping of health and aged care services.
CHA accounts for around 10 per cent of hospital-based healthcare in Australia and members provide around 25 per cent of private hospital care, five per cent of public hospital care, 12 per cent of aged care facilities, and 20 per cent of home care and support for the elderly.
At a meeting on June 22, CHA members resolved to amend its constitution to permit the inclusion of other not-for-profit Christian health, aged care and/or community care providers.
CHA chief executive Pat Garcia said he was delighted to welcome UnitingCare to the peak body.
"This is a historic moment for Catholic Health Australia and for our ministry. I am grateful to our members and to our church leaders for embracing this wonderful ecumenical opportunity." he said.
There was a need to focus on the fundamental challenges and present a united front on reforms to better help those who needed care, he said.
Eileen Wood
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
