MERRIWA'S Gummun Place is on track to continue to receive full accreditation for the aged care facility from the Australian Government.
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Upper Hunter Shire mayor Wayne Bedggood said improvements to the facility were an ongoing project.
He added the current council was committed to continuing to offer aged care accommodation in Merriwa.
Council's Draft Aged Care and Disability Strategic Plan, which is on public exhibition for comment, included many different options for consideration including: "Seeking to devolve role as provider of aged care services where a suitable alternative can be identified".
Cr Bedggood assured concerned residents that a wide range of options were considered in the planning.
He said resident's views would guide any future decisions.
"I encourage the community to make submissions on the draft Aged Care and Disability Strategic Plan," he explained.
"Their views are vital to creating an Aged Care and Disability Strategic Plan, which will be adopted by council within the next few months."
Council is extending the deadline for submissions until Thursday, April 4.
The Draft Aged Care and Disability Strategic Plan can be viewed on council's website http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/your-council/media/public-notices/public-exhibition-of-draft-aged-and-disability-care-strategic-plan.aspx
On March 12, the Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission conducted an assessment contact of Gummun Place Hostel.
This was essentially an audit of operations to ensure that it was meeting accreditation standards.
Council has been advised that the facility has met the expected outcomes for:
* Management systems, staffing and organisational development including information systems; and
* Health and personal care including clinical care, specialised nursing care needs, and medication management.
Gummun Place had passed the 40 other inspection outcomes required, in 2018.
The facility is accredited until September 2019 and council has recently applied for subsequent re-accreditation after that date.
Cr Bedggood thanked Gummun Place staff for its work.
Council has also recently engaged a consultant, Jo Bailey Quality Care, to assist with continuing to improve the quality of service provided by this important community facility, and particularly the legislated administrative requirements that will be introduced by the Australian Government on July 1, 2019.
