Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has decided to close the residential aged care arm of Corowa Hospital, on the New South Wales border with Victoria, 600km southwest of Sydney.

“Delivering residential aged care in a hospital-style setting does not provide a home-like environment for our current residents at Corowa Hospital Nursing Home and does not meet the expectations of the next generation of older people in our community,” said MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford, who this week was awarded the Public Service Medal for her contribution to rural healthcare.

"In recent years, we’ve witnessed a decline in occupancy as modern alternatives, offering a more homely atmosphere, have gained preference.

“Faced with these challenges, we’ve made the difficult decision to decommission Corowa Hospital Nursing Home."

Of the home's 22 residents, Not For Profit Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT's Karinya aged care home, located less than a kilometre away, has the capacity to take 15. Interested residents attended a morning tea at the facility this week. 

MLHD will work with staff individually to help them find employment with other aged care providers or alternative positions.