BlueCross sale strengthens Opal HealthCare’s Victorian presence

BlueCross Aged Care is “passing over its legacy” to Opal HealthCare in a momentum-shifting ownership transfer, with the official handover of 31 aged care sites and home care services expected to be completed mid-year, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.

The change of ownership will affect roughly 4,000 staff who are currently expected to retain their jobs under the Opal HealthCare banner.

Key points

• The BlueCross Board signed an agreement to transfer the ownership of its residential and Home Care services to Opal HealthCare
• Just over 30 residential care homes and home care services will be added to Opal HealthCare’s portfolio, which already includes 101 ‘Care Communities’ nationally
• With all BlueCross sites located in Victoria, Opal HealthCare will manage more than 50 Victorian residential care homes from June

Ingrid Harvey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at BlueCross Aged Care, said the decision to transfer ownership of BlueCross means two highly regarded organisations can share best practice and become the national provider of choice for older Australians.

“Today marks a really important day in the life of BlueCross, for the benefit of our residents, our clients who we care for in their home and also our hardworking people. BlueCross will be passing over its legacy to a well-regarded and longstanding provider of aged care services through the transfer of ownership to Opal HealthCare,” Ms Harvey said.

“This union of two great organisations is so right. The culture, our vision and our values are shared and aligned and to use a BlueCross value, we will simply be better together.”

BlueCross, which has been in operation since 1993, has achieved consistent results across the board for aged care home quality, with most sites currently holding either three or four-star ratings (Overall Star Ratings) on MyAgedCare. BlueCross Sheridan Hall Brighton is the exception with a five-star rating. 

While both organisations work through regulatory and shareholder approval processes, there is no expected interruption to operations or provision of care services. Aligned values across the two providers mean a smooth transition, once the deal is approved, is likely to occur.

We believe excellent clinical care is essential, but person-centred care includes love, purpose and belonging. Our Care Communities are our residents’ home, and every person in our care deserves to live with dignity and respect,” Rachel Argaman, CEO of Opal HealthCare said.

“The BlueCross vision is all about inspiring our communities to value and embrace ageing. And ours [Opal], is to bring joy to those we care for. Both come together to recognise that ageing is levelling up, getting more life experience, deserving more respect, and having earned the right to be cared for because of all they have given and we look forward to doing that together.”

No additional announcements have been made regarding leadership changes for the BlueCross team once the sale is completed. Ms Harvey said both teams will work closely throughout the transition period to ensure residents, home care clients and staff are aware of any developments.

“I’m so excited for what the future holds for our residents, our clients and our people. In the short term, you’ll see very little change. What I can guarantee for everyone is that the Opal team and the BlueCross team will be working together to ensure that we communicate with everyone and bring everyone along on the exciting journey ahead.”