Victoria’s most rural health service is celebrating the completion of its long-awaited revamp.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today officially opened the $185,000 refurbishment of the Gelantipy Bush Nursing Centre in mountainous far-east Gippsland, which has delivered a new back-up generator and roof.
The centre first opened its doors in 1964 when timber mill accidents were common. Today, the remote health service still provides community and primary health services to people living in Gelantipy, Murrindal, Willis and beyond to the Buchan and Snowy Rivers.
The refurbishment will make a real difference to the service’s volunteers and remote area nurse, who provides daily clinics, home visits and emergency transport to hospital. The emergency first responder role is vital for such a remote community, giving residents an extra level of safety and care.
In a further boost, the Labor Government has also provided funding to upgrade the nurse’s four-wheel drive vehicle, which is especially important as many areas serviced by the Centre can only be accessed by mountainous, winding, unsealed roads and four-wheel drive tracks.
The Victorian Budget 2017/18 includes an extra $1.67 billion to support hospitals to meet demand, and provide the high quality care Victorian patients deserve and need.
In 2017/18, Gelantipy Bush Nursing Centre will receive $167,000 in funding – a 15.3 per cent increase on the previous year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“We’re supporting our rural communities, making sure they have the tools to provide first-class healthcare to all Victorians.”
“The team at the Gelantipy Bush Nursing Station do a fantastic job, and it’s vital that they have the safe, modern facilities they need to care for locals and keep their community safe.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“Dedicated health care staff and community volunteers do a remarkable job caring for people living in and around the remote community of Gelantipy, and they now have the modern facilities they need to keep locals healthy.”
“Bush nursing centres are vital to the fabric of rural communities. This makeover will ensure Gelantipy Bush Nursing Centre ensures it will continue this proud tradition for many years to come.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020