December 17, 2015
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the allocation of additional funding at Orbost Regional Health, under an expansion of aged care places in rural communities.
Lochiel House and Waratah Lodge will share four new Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) places, following an injection of $147,541.
Mr Chester said rural health providers like Orbost Regional Health were essential to ensuring small regional communities to high quality services close to home.
“It’s important the welfare of our elderly is supported irrespective of where they live and this funding helps them to stay in the local area and community”, Mr Chester said.
“We’re fortunate to have an outstanding health service in Orbost that provides high quality care, but that care comes at a cost so it is important the Federal Government plays its part providing financial support.
“This additional funding of $147,541 will bring the total full year effect funding to $1.29 million, which is an investment in the long-term stability of our multi-purpose services in Orbost.”
The funding, announced by the Minister for Aged Care Sussan Ley on Thursday, is part of a $5.79 million package for Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria to improve residential care services for people with more complex and increasing aged care needs.
The Multi-Purpose Services programme is a jointly funded Commonwealth and State Government initiative, providing integrated health and aged care services to some smaller rural communities.
Mr Chester said he would continue to work with Orbost Regional Health and Minister Ley on long-term funding issues related to the MPS programme.
“Orbost Regional Health is concerned the MPS programme is not keeping pace with the changing demands being placed on small health providers, and I have made representations on their behalf to the Minister regarding this issue,” Mr Chester said.
“The Minister has undertaken to investigate the issue and refer the matter to an independent review. I have also asked the Minister to meeting with Victorian providers of Multi-Purpose Services in the near future.”
CAPTION: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester recently invited Minister for Rural Health Fiona Nash to Orbost Regional Health to discuss priority issues with ORH’s leadership team, including board member Andrew Martin.
