New equipment at Orbost Medical Clinic has helped to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
The clinic received $13,000 from the Federal Government to buy much-needed, modern medical equipment.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester visited the clinic to see how the new equipment had improved services for patients and the working environment for staff.
“Patients from Orbost and the surrounding area depend on the clinic for their health care needs,” Mr Chester said.
“The clinic also trains young medical students, so better equipment will enhance the learning of these students as they get a taste of general practice in a rural area.
“Hopefully their positive experiences in Orbost will mean that when they are qualified they are more likely to decide to stay in Gippsland or join a practice in another rural community.”
Orbost Regional Health Chief Executive Officer Mrs Meryn Pease said some of the clinic’s equipment was 30 years old.
“We’ve now got a new machine to test lung function and another that tests blood flow to limbs,” Mrs Pease said.
“We have also bought a modern machine to test hearing, plus a wearable device that can test a patient’s blood pressure over a 24-hour period.
“All of these machines are easier and faster to use than those we were using and we also have greater confidence in the accuracy of test results.
“We have also been able to buy six electric beds and a number of electric chairs, which are designed to assist our patients with mobility difficulties and our staff members who care for these patients.”
The practice received the funding under the Government’s Rural General Practice Grants program.
Mallacoota received $300,000 under the same program for a new medical centre.
