New China partnership to help ageing population challenge

RDNS has signed a major joint venture agreement with China’s Zhongshan College to develop and operate an aged-care facility in Jiangsu Province, north of Shanghai.

The Chair of the RDNS Board Paul Montgomery and the President of Zhongshan College Chen Yi formalised the partnership at a signing ceremony in Shanghai during the Australian Government’s largest ever trade mission last week.

Australian Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb, who witnessed the deal’s signing, said this joint venture was testimony to the strong reputation both Australia and RDNS has for providing world-class aged care services.

“China is an ageing population and this will drive enormous growing demand for the types of services that RDNS delivers. This joint venture is an example of Australia leveraging our strengths,” Robb said.

The Zhongshan aged-care facility will include 1,500 integrated care places, a 400 bed hospital and links to the college’s education faculty.

RDNS will work with Zhongshan to develop, operate and manage the facility, which will include training, deployment and management of care staff – all with the aim of developing clinical care and support for the elderly.

Montgomery, who led the 2013 healthcare contingent of the Victorian Government’s Trade Mission to China, said the joint venture contract would see both parties working together to establish a world class leading position in providing aged and health care in China.

“RDNS will use its knowledge, experience and expertise to inform the design of an integrated aged care facility on the Zhongshan College site as well as providing education and training to aged care workers,” Montgomery said.

“Of particular importance will be the contribution of consulting services and management consulting services in aged care, health care, nursing, rehabilitation and training.”

Montgomery said that it was particularly fitting that RDNS was establishing a relationship with Zhongshan, as Victoria had enjoyed a 34-year sister-state relationship with Jiangsu Province.

“This joint venture will allow both parties to share knowledge and ideas as we look to addressing the respective challenges associated with our ageing populations,” he said.

“Importantly, it will introduce quality care standards based on Australian best-practice into China, to the benefit of seniors, their families and the Jiangsu community,” Montgomery said.

“The issue of ageing populations is a critical issue for all countries, especially in our region,” he said. “There are 200 million people over the age of 60 in China and this number is expected to increase to 440 million by 2050.

“Here in Australia, multiple factors are combining to increase the number of people aged over 65. By 2028, for the first time in Australia’s history, there will be more people aged over 60 than aged over 20.

“At RDNS, we are committed to sharing our expertise and capacity in developing and delivering high quality aged care and seniors living solutions through joint ventures such as this,” Montgomery said.

Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb and Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson, congratulate RDNS Board Chairman Paul  Montgomery and  the President of  Zhongshan College,  Mr Chen Yi, following the signing on 11 April 2014 of a major joint venture agreement in Shanghai during the Australian Government’s largest ever trade mission.

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