Health service funding boost

HEALTH services in Winchelsea and Apollo Bay will receive grants for important upgrades through the state government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, with benefits for patients and staff.

Almost $75,500 will be invested at Hesse Rural Health in Winchelsea to upgrade the oven and cooling in the main kitchen, while $451,150 will go to Great Ocean Road Health’s Apollo Bay facility.

Announcing the local projects which had receive funding under round five of the infrastructure fund, Western Victoria MP Gayle Tierney said Great Ocean Road Health’s round five grant would go towards the upgrade its aging nurse call and notification system.

“Everyone deserves access to quality health care facilities and services – we’re ensuing the local community has exactly that close to home,” Ms Tierney said.

Hesse Rural Health chief executive officer Carissa Brock said as one of 79 health services across Victoria sharing in $120 million in funding, “this investment in Hesse Rural Health to upgrade their main kitchen equipment, ensures the quality and safety in our Winchelsea facility is maintained”.

“Responsible for preparing an average of 180 meals per day for Hesse’s Aged Care residents and community clients through their Home Care Package service, a new oven and upgraded cooling system in the main kitchen will deliver an improved working environment for the Hesse food services team,” Ms Brock said.

“The upgrade project is due to be completed over the next six months.”

The Regional Health Infrastructure Fund was established in 2016 by the state government to support rural and regional health services and agencies.