Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria today officially opened Neerim District Health Service’s new Health and Wellbeing Centre and Palliative Care Room.

The Andrews Labor Government is working hard to ensure all Victorians, no matter where they live, are able to access the health services they need closer to home, and these new facilities in Neerim are a terrific example.

The new Health and Wellbeing Centre is a multi-functional space giving clients and aged care residents better access to physiotherapy and podiatry services as well as activities to stay healthy and active. It will also provide training and meeting space for staff and community groups.

Neerim District Health Service also recognised the need to provide a more private and respectful environment for patients and their families who are receiving end of life care.

The new Palliative Care Room will enable the health service to ensure patients and their families have the privacy and support they need during what is a very difficult time.

The Health and Wellbeing Centre was made possible through a $96,000 Victorian Government grant, along with $15,000 from the Andrews Foundation.

The Neerim District Health Service Ladies Guild worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Palliative Care project and the William Angliss Charitable Fund provided $5,000 for the purchase of a new palliative care bed.

In addition to the grants, the Neerim District Health Service has contributed its own funds and utilised generous donations from the community to complete this impressive facility.

The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with giving the dedicated doctors and nurses at Neerim District Health Service the funding they need to increase services, treat more patients sooner and keep locals healthy.

In the Victorian Budget 2016/17, an extra $2.45 billion was delivered for health, so hospitals can admit more patients, reduce waiting times, and upgrade buildings and infrastructure.

This record investment will enable hospitals will be able to admit an extra 79,000 patients, treat an extra 43,000 patients in emergency departments across the state.

By providing $817 million to build new hospitals and ambulance stations, as well as buying the latest advances in medical equipment, dedicated doctors and nurses can deliver even better care.

The new $200 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund will upgrade rural and regional hospitals including bush nursing hospitals to ensure all Victorians can access high quality care and facilities.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“The Andrews Labor Government is injecting record funding into Victorian hospitals so more patients can be treated sooner.”

“The community is rightly proud of its health service in Neerim South and these new facilities will improve access to high quality health services, closer to home.” 

“Everyone who donated or raised funds in the local community has made a real and positive difference to patient treatment and wellbeing, especially for loved ones receiving palliative care.”