Statement on the transfer of ownership of BlueCross to Opal HealthCare

This week, the BlueCross Board signed an agreement to transfer the ownership of its residential and Home Care services to Opal HealthCare.

Official handover is expected mid-year as a number of regulative requirements and shareholder approval is required.

Opal HealthCare is a highly regarded provider of residential aged care services, with 101 Care Communities in metropolitan and regional areas across the country, including 22 in Victoria.

Its purpose is ‘to bring joy to those we care for’ and it has a whole of person approach to wellbeing, which includes excellent clinical care and living with love, purpose and belonging. It’s an organisation that is strongly aligned with BlueCross’ vision, values and ambitions. 

The transfer of ownership of BlueCross is an opportunity for two highly regarded organisations to come together, to share best practice and become the national provider of choice for older Australians.

Opal HealthCare already has a deeply embedded hub of 22 Care Communities in Victoria, which represents an ideal opportunity for it to extend its commitment to providing excellence in care for the growing older population across Australia.

It will support the growth and investment needs of BlueCross residents and clients, the ongoing training and development of its team through the Opal HealthCare Academy, and enable the continuation of high-quality care and services through the current period of reform in the aged care sector.

BlueCross CEO Ingrid Harvey said the transition of ownership will ensure BlueCross’ legacy continues to grow from strength to strength.

“BlueCross has been providing a wide range of flexible and responsive aged care services across metropolitan and regional Victoria since 1993,” she said.

“This union of two leading organisations is founded on a strong alignment of culture, vision and values, and to use a Blue Cross value, we will be simply ‘better together’.”

Opal HealthCare CEO Rachel Argaman is delighted to welcome the BlueCross team, residents and clients into the Opal HealthCare family. 

“At Opal HealthCare, 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.” 

“Every day we strive to nurture a sense of belonging, so that our elders can truly live and enjoy their later years. For all of us at Opal HealthCare, this means helping our people stay connected with their communities and striving to deliver a personalized experience to our residents and their families.” 

“Ensuring continuity of care is paramount, and we look forward to welcoming BlueCross’ 4,000 team members who will move across to Opal HealthCare when the sale completes.”

“We know that companies don’t succeed, people do. Together we will continue to serve people across Australia with high-quality and compassionate care.” 

BlueCross and Opal HealthCare teams will work closely together throughout the transition.   

When the change of ownership is completed in mid-2024, Opal HealthCare will provide care to more than 12,000 residents across 132 Care Communities around Australia.

About BlueCross

A leading private aged care provider established in 1993, Blue Cross provides flexible and responsive aged care services across Victoria. From residential care to in-home support and respite care, it is committed to helping older people live the best life possible every day. It operates 31 aged care residences, supporting more than 2,600 residents and over 1,000 clients living in their own homes. BlueCross is proudly supported by over 4,000 dedicated employees and hundreds of volunteers.

About Opal HealthCare

Opal HealthCare is one of Australia’s leading national private health care providers. Specialists in residential aged care, it has more than 13,000 dedicated team members caring for 9,300 residents at 101 Care Communities across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and WA. Its purpose is to bring joy to those we care for and its mission is to be the first choice for people to live their best life in care.