Warburton Hospital Sold

After more than 90 years serving the community and representing Adventists and Adventism in the Yarra Valley, Warburton Hospital and Health Resort in Victoria, Australia, has been sold.
Chief executive officer Eliot Bolst, reported, "There is deep sadness amongst the hospital staff, especially the Adventist staff members. Many are grieving the loss of not only the institution to the church, but also their personal and deep involvement as employees for the church."

Since the hospital was placed on the market two and a half years ago, there has been much uncertainty and anxiety, among the hospital staff. "The staff has coped well with the unknown," Eliot observed. "The uncertainties of the future, the lack of funds to adequately support operations, and the inability of the institution to engage in capital improvement and necessary maintenance programs over the last few years have been taxing for all. [Our] staff are to be commended for the manner in which they performed their duties during this difficult time."

Many will question the decision to sell what has become an icon of Adventism in this part of the world, Borst acknowledged. The recommendation made by the Board of Trustees and endorsed by the Trans Australian Union Conference Executive Committee seems to many, harsh and unreasonable. However it was evident that the finances required to continue operations were beyond the resources of the union conference and Warburton Hospital, he said.

The new owners, Prospa Pty Ltd., will continue the operations as presently structured. They also indicated that they will continue the vegetarian menu, no alcohol on the property, and employment for all those staff who accept their offer of employment.

In light of other possibilities, when one considers what may have occurred, Adventist leaders find it satisfying to know that the sale has been made to people who value Christian ideals, and who will carefully assess the current operations before effecting change, Borst pointed out.

"Surely God has been guiding in the sale process," Borst said. "Probably now more than ever before, there is an opportunity for Adventist staff to portray the Adventist lifestyle and be that ‘light on a hill' drawing people to our Saviour."