COA services to be integrated
"COA Sydney has a loyal core base within our community, who enjoy their variety of programs and activities."
COA Sydney has entered into discussions with Montefiore and JewishCare, facilitated by JCA, to remove duplication and improve cost-efficiency in delivering services to seniors.
The AJN understands that there is a collective sensitivity amongst the parties that any plans should minimise interruptions to COA’s existing programs and that while the discussions are ongoing, there are no immediate plans to change its day-to-day service provision.
“During this period, COA’s members can have confidence that they can continue to enjoy all services and programs,” JCA acting CEO Shari Lowe said.
Once a thorough review is complete is it expected that there may be some streamlining for selected aspects of COA’s services and programs.
“Decisions will be made in a way that recognises COA’s 40-year reputation, goodwill and connections to the community, while ensuring the critical services are delivered in a viable and sustainable manner with the highest quality,” Lowe said.
It is currently anticipated that COA’s essential in-centre activities will sit naturally within the range of activities managed by the Burger Centre – a joint venture between JewishCare and Montefiore – and its social services within JewishCare. Discussions with Montefiore are centred around the in-house production and provision of Kosher Meals on Wheels.
COA president Ilona Lee, who is overseeing the transition, said the organisation is looking forward “to embedding our services in a community structure that will ensure their continuity into the future“.
JCA president Ian Sandler said, “Building on the outstanding reputation in NSW of the Burger Centre, COA Sydney, JewishCare, and Montefiore, I am excited about the future of these aged care services in our community and how they can be integrated for the good of our seniors and their families.”
JewishCare president Jason Sandler said, “COA Sydney has a loyal core base within our community, who enjoy their variety of programs and activities.
“We look forward to finding ways that they can continue to participate in those, as well as in time, enjoy those on offer with JewishCare.”
Montefiore president David Freeman said he is excited by the prospect of utilising Montefiore’s large commercial kitchens to provide kosher meals to the community.
“I can also see value in bringing the operations of the COA Krygier Centre within the Burger Centre joint venture, which now operates at the Montefiore Randwick and Hunters Hill campuses,” he said.
The Burger Centre, COA Sydney, JewishCare and Montefiore are supported by JCA and its donors.
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