BaptistCare Niola’s First Matron Celebrates 60 Years of Care

BaptistCare has unveiled its $11 million redevelopment of Niola Centre, with the Centre’s very first matron joining Niola's current manager in a demonstration of 60 years of commitment to quality aged care in Parkes.

Marjory Field became a resident at Niola Centre this year, and is all too familiar with the history of the site, having been the first Matron of Niola when it was purchased by BaptistCare in 1957.

She moved to Parkes from BaptistCare’s Yallambi Centre in Sydney back in the 1950s to get the Niola Centre up and running.

Last week, Marjory shared stories of how times have changed at Niola with local media who were invited to tour the newly developed Centre, alongside current residential manager, Kylie Sense.

BaptistCare purchased Niola, formerly a bush hospital, as a 12-bed home in 1957. Following a recent 16-month redevelopment it is now Parkes’ most state-of-the-art aged care centre.

The Centre will be home to 59 residents, increasing BaptistCare’s capacity to support the local ageing population and bringing both specialized and modernized services to the region.

With the latest census data showing the over 60s demographic in Parkes is 5% larger than the national average, aged care services are increasingly important to the community and the redevelopment continues BaptistCare’s 60 year commitment to the region.

“The Niola Centre and its significant refurbishment is our way of investing in the Parkes community and supporting Parkes residents into the future. We know the elderly face increasing disadvantage as they age and we are incredibly proud of the 60 years of care we have delivered to the Parkes Shire and the residents we have been privileged to care for during this time,” said Paull English, BaptistCare General Manager, Residential Services.

“We have traced the rich history of the Niola site back to its original roots as a bush hospital and are delighted that we have been able to continue its long tradition of caring for the people of Parkes. Records show the original home may have been purchased by a nurse back in 1908 for just £65 sterling, a long way from the $11 million dollar investment we have unveiled today.”

“This redevelopment sets BaptistCare Niola Centre up for another 60 years of solid and dependable care that the community can trust. The building is highly contemporary and will enhance the exceptional care our skilled staff provide to our residents every day.”

The new Centre will also increase Niola’s capacity to care for residents living with dementia, with a specialised unit versed in the most cutting-edge strategies in dementia care.

Additional features of the redevelopment include:

• An additional seven beds taking BaptistCare Niola Centre from a 52 to a 59 bed facility
• All four bed wards replaced with new double and single rooms, each with ensuites
• Rooms split across three separate wings, each with its own tastefully designed open plan communal area for residents to relax and enjoy activities
• Completely new commercial kitchen, providing freshly-cooked meals
• Air conditioning and wall-mounted flat screen TVs in all rooms
• Expansion and full renovation to the on-site chapel where church services are regularly held
• New nurse-call system
• Renovation to reception area;
• Addition of physio and consulting room for residents to meet health care professionals
• Addition of a dedicated hair salon
• Addition of a Spa room for relaxation with state-of-the-art hydro therapy spa bath
• A new high ceiling lounge room, dining and family areas, all providing a warm and inviting communal space for resident and their families
• Two new courtyard areas
• Upgrade to external façade on Bushman Street
• Installation of a new fire sprinkler system in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000

Find out more about BaptistCare.