Konstantinos Kontis has resigned from his post as Chairman of the Board of Directors of St Basil’s at Fawkner following the outbreak in aged care which saw the death of 44 residents.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese announced the appointment of Reverend Archimandrite Father Evmenios Vasilopoulos, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Northcote, as the new Chairman.
The latter part of Mr Kontis’ leadership had been challenging, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak with 206 infections at the nursing home.
Staff had returned to the facility on 6 August, and the management has returned.
St Basil’s will be operational from next week, Fr Evmenios told Neos Kosmos. He added that 50 residents had already shown an interest in returning to the facility.
READ MORE: St Basil’s copped the COVID-19 spotlight, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg in aged care problems
Archbishop Makarios urged Mr Kontis to remain as an ordinary member of the Board of Directors until some practical and legal issues, created during the pandemic, are finalised. He also expressed his gratitude for the long-standing contribution of Mr Kontis and his co-workers.
The church hierarch said he is in constant communication with the authorities, the relevant ministers and other government officials. The press release to announce Mr Kontis’ resignation states: “His Eminence also appreciates the expressions of regret from the relevant ministers, because in part of the efforts to stem the pandemic in certain residential aged care services in Victoria, as well as to support them, (plans) did not go as well as people had hoped.”
READ MORE: St Basil’s finances under the spotlight as anger mounts with 38 COVID-19 deaths
Mr Kontis was unavailable for comment when Neos Kosmos reached out to him.