Ararat families will benefit in a $4.12 million boost to maternal and child health and community care services at East Grampians Health Service.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The project will include the refurbishment of the Community Health Centre, a building extension to accommodate consulting rooms, maternal and child health rooms, and new meeting rooms.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced the funding with East Grampians Health Service staff on Friday.
Health service board president Matt Wood said the major redevelopment would enhance the delivery of the hospital’s primary care service, particularly for mothers and children.
“The Victorian government funding will ensure that those who live in the Ararat region have access to the highest quality care,” he said.
“The integration of the maternal and child health service, and HACC, into the Community Health Centre will mean we will be a one stop shop for primary care services for all stages of life, from our new mums and babies, through to people requiring home care in their later years.”
The hospital’s outreach building, which houses the health service’s community nursing, will also accommodate the Ararat Rural City HACC program as part of the project.
A new Ark Toy and Activity Centre will also be built.
Some of the primary care services already in the community health centre include the health service’s dental clinic, women’s health, physiotherapy, diabetes care, podiatry, occupational therapy, a speech pathology and social work.
Mr Andrews said the health service had secured the grant because it was innovative with new ideas and thinking.
“Patients can get the care they need faster, so we can more appropriately respond to their needs, particularly the needs of mothers and babies in this community,” he said.
“This is a health service that has been very well known for their fresh thinking approach.”
East Grampians Health Service has twice won the premier’s award for the best medium-sized health service in the state.
The $4.12 million redevelopment will also provide more employment for Ararat businesses.
Mr Andrews said the grant would help the health service do critical work.
“It has a really passionate team and strong ideas for the future,” he said.
“It is more than $4 million of support for local business, local builders and local traders.”
