BELLARINE RIDE IN AID OF POLIO

BELLARINE MP Lisa Neville has announced an independent review into the operations of Bellarine Community Health intended to shed light on the organisation’s governance and accountability to the community.

Ms Neville flagged her intention to instigate a review last year after becoming frustrated with the BCH’s alleged lack of transparency in the processes used to close Point Lonsdale’s Coorabin House and sell Portarlington’s Ann Nichol House to private aged care operator Arcare.

She also expressed concerns for the future of the BCH-operated Eric Tolliday Independent Living Units.

The review will begin next month, with investigators examining whether decisions made by BCH were in line with community expectations, if the service has adequate links to the community, and whether BCH has in place appropriate governance, financial management and risk management processes.

The review will also look into the predominantly government-funded organisation’s compliance with the requirements of the Health Services Act. A report will be delivered in June.

Ms Neville, who yesterday announced the review at Ann Nichol House, took aim at BCH, saying the organisation had lost the trust and respect of the community it was intended to serve. “This organisation has lost its way,” she said.

The North Bellarine Hostel for the Aged-Ann Nichol House Inc committee, which has led a grassroots campaign against BCH management, yesterday welcomed the news, saying it expected the review would identify an alleged “lack of honesty in communications to the community,” “secret dealings,” and a range of other perceived failings.

The Geelong Advertiser contacted BCH chief executive John Fendyk for comment but received no response.