“There is no uncertainty about St Basil’s nursing home in Melbourne and there is no chance that it will shut down”
This firm statement was made in “Neos Kosmos” by the Archiepiscopal Vicar of Northcote, Archimandrite Fr. Evmenios Vasilopoulos, who is also the chairman of the Board of Directors of St Basil’s nursing home, having succeeded Konstantinos Kontis.
The latest rumors about the future of the institution were reinforced by a relevant article in the newspaper “The Age”, which spoke of “uncertainty about the future of St Basils” after new warnings from the Federal Government.
“These allegations are non-existent. We continue normally with 42 inmates,” Archimandrite Fr. Evmenios stated.
He also denied the allegations of dismissal of staff but added that after the departure of Vicky Kos from the position of director a restructuring process is taking place and relevant announcements will be made in the future.
It is recalled that “St Basils” nursing home in Fawkner, Melbourne, was struck by the coronavirus pandemic after 45 of its 117 inmates passed away.
The nursing home must deal with the forensic investigation into the causes of deaths as well as mass treatment of the relatives of the victims.
The institution was visited last November by Archbishop Makarios, who shared some of his thoughts with those present, first expressing his deep sorrow and grief for the tragic loss of human lives, members of the “St Basils” family.
“But we also look forward to brighter days,” the Archbishop of Australia added.
Referring to the brighter days that everyone expects for “St Basils”, he first reminded that the implementation of the restructuring plan of the Organization has begun, under the Archiepiscopal Vicar of Northcote, Archimandrite Fr. Evmenios Vasilopoulos, as the new Chairman of the Board.
Archbishop Makarios added also that the Holy Archdiocese cooperates with government authorities, who have expressed their confidence in the administration and staff of the institution.