JourneyOnline
Blue Care was today the only institution to be named a 2009 Queensland Great and Q150 Queensland icon for its significant role in the history and development of Australia’s Smart State.
The not-for-profit organisation joined five Queenslanders on the list of Queensland Greats as part of the 2009 Queensland Week celebrations, June 6-13, 2009. It is one of only four institutions to make the list since it began in 2001.
Blue Care Executive Director Stephen Muggleton said the awards honoured all local Blue Care services and staff and strengthened Blue Care’s position as Australia’s largest not-for-profit provider of community health and residential aged care.
“As one of Queensland’s largest employers, we’re truly grateful for the recognition of our hardworking nurses and support staff,” he said.
“Their tireless commitment to caring for the elderly, people with a disability, and others in need in the community is significant – they not only help people remain independent in their homes, they play an integral part in maintaining the social fabric of Queensland by keeping families and communities together.”
A missional arm of the Uniting Church in Queensland, Blue Care has grown from humble beginnings, with just one nurse in 1953. Today Blue Care employs almost 10,000 staff and volunteers who work in more than 260 locations across Queensland.
“We’ve expanded our service offerings to provide nursing, personal care, allied health support, domestic assistance and social support. We also offer a range of in-home and centre-based respite, nursing homes, palliative care and carer support programs,” Mr Muggleton said.
“With Australia’s rapidly ageing population, the services Blue Care provides are even more important today than they were 56 years ago. With the number of people aged 80 and over expected to double in to next 20 years, demand for aged care is set to skyrocket.
“But Blue Care will be there 50 years from now continuing to deliver care that is personal, trusted and compassionate.”
Photo : Photo courtesy of Blue Care
