Saint John of God Health Care (SJGHC) has purchased Mercy Hospital Mount Lawley, in an agreement that both parties hope will strengthen Catholic health care in WA.
The transfer, which is subject to approval from the Catholic Church and regulatory bodies, was announced on November 6 and is expected to occur in the first half of 2014.
SJGHC recorded revenue of $1.07 billion for the 2012/13 financial year, giving it the funds to make the purchase.
Chief executive officer of SJGHC Michael Stanford said the heritage and expertise of Mercy Hospital as a respected women’s health services provider would be maintained.
“We will ensure that the hospital’s patients, families and the community continue to receive the highest standards of care and compassion,” he said.
“As a large private hospital operator, we have the resources and the expertise to invest in Mercy Hospital and further enhance services to the community.”
Dr Stanford said SJGHC plans to develop obstetrics, medicine and surgery at the 205-bed hospital in line with their other hospitals, as well as developing a private specialist rehabilitation service to support patients in private and public acute hospitals.
MercyCare chief executive officer Chris Hall said the transfer would safeguard the hospital’s future for staff and patients.
“The move strengthens Catholic health care in WA, benefiting the community and ensuring the Catholic ethos and mission continues at the Hospital,” he said.
“This allows MercyCare the opportunity to look at providing a wider range of health care and social services in people’s homes and in their communities, and increasing access to services for people who are without adequate assistance or marginalised from mainstream service programs.”
Mercy Hospital first opened as St Anne’s Nursing Home in 1937, and Mr Hall acknowledged the work of the Sisters of Mercy in the early years. “The legacy of the Sisters of Mercy will live on in MercyCare’s social advocacy, education, health care, aged care and family and community services,” he said.
Leader of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia Sr Berneice Loch RSM told The Record the sisters fully supported MercyCare’s decision.
“It’s the end of an era, but life is full of ends and beginnings, and this is the beginning of a new one,” she said. “The Mercy [sisters] will always be very proud of the work that was done through [the hospital].”
SJGHC now operate 14 hospitals, with two more facilities in Midland due to open in November 2015.
Mercy Hospital will operate as normal during the approval process.