News Archive 2001

On the 30th of November 2001 the Sisters of Compassion handed over ownership of their Timaru Home to the recently formed St Vianney’s Trust. This marked the end of an era spanning some 50 years.

The first Sisters arrived in Timaru to establish St Vianney’s in 1951. In 1952 the home was initially opened for elderly men and women with St Anne’s, St Joseph’s and St Mary’s wards. In 1957 St Philomena’s ward was opened for young women with disabilities. In 1963 lay people were employed for the first time; 1974 a new convent was built; 1991 the home was refurbished; in 1993 the first lay principle nurse was appointed.

Sister Rae Berry, congregational leader for the Sisters of Compassion said "Owing to the fact that we are an ageing group of religious women, we are unable to continue in the governance and management of the Home. Therefore we have gifted the Home to the new trust."

"In the beginning there were six Sisters and about 40 residents, these days there was about the same number of residents but about 40 staff. In the early days the local community played a huge role in the running of the home – this is still true today", she said.

Chairman of the trust, Peter McKay, said the change would have little or no effect on the day to day running of the home. A small community of Sisters will continue to live in Timaru, and be involved with the home. "It really is business as usual, as we have run under a board structure for several years. A board of management for the home was first set up in 1990, and in 1996 the home was incorporated and a company board of directors was established," he said.

The Morgans Road home sits on six hectares, and includes 14 hospital beds and 31 rest home beds. "After such a long and positive relationship with the Timaru community we are sure that the members of the St Vianney’s Timaru Trust will continue to serve Timaru well in meeting the needs of older people who are no longer able to live independently in the community," Sister Rae said.

She said that while it was sad to see the end of an era it was great that the people of Timaru were willing to take on the home. The only other option would have been to close the home.

Mr McKay assured staff, residents and their families yesterday that the change would not have adverse effects on care standards or staffing. "We are grateful to the Sisters for their generosity and trust in the gift made to us. We also acknowledge the tremendous support that the Sisters have given to the South Canterbury community over the last 50 years."

"The mission statement of St Vianney’s Limited has been to provide and maintain the highest standard of care within a Christian environment. In keeping with this tradition the new St Vianney’s Timaru Trust will continue to provide care and compassion within the community" Mr McKay said. "The trustees are local people who have had a long association with the home as directors of the previous board."