November 17, 2011
Tributes have flowed for Orbost Regional Health (ORH) after it won ‘Rural Health Service of the Year’ at the 2011 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.
The award came after a panel of over 100 judges conferred on important aspects of health service delivery in a rural setting.
Key criteria for the awards included innovation and excellence in improving hospital capacity, development of community-based health services, promoting healthy living, providing more extensive and high quality health care information, improving emergency services and creating more effective healthcare outcomes.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has congratulated the health service provider on winning the award saying it was a tribute to staff, the board and volunteers.
“The Orbost and district community is very proud of its health service and now it’s been recognised across our state,” Mr Chester said.
“Everybody involved at ORH has done a terrific job to continuously improve health service delivery in the Orbost and district region.
“I’m sure this award will be very satisfying for ORH staff, board and local volunteers.”
Mr Chester said quality health services were a critical issue in rural and regional communities.
“The provision of quality healthcare services is critical for people living in rural and regional communities where often there is only one service available,” Mr Chester said.
“Having quality services and follow-up care nearby means many residents can remain in their community for longer.
“It also provides new and existing families with reassurance that any health issues that may arise can be dealt with promptly.
Mr Chester also commended Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) after it was Highly Commended in the ‘Regional Health Service of the Year’ category.