A year of highlights at East Grampians Health Service

East Grampians Health Service held its 29^th annual general meeting last week, with the Board reporting on another successful year and presenting many organisational highlights and significant events.

Guest speaker at the AGM was Federation University Chancellor Terry Moran AC, who spoke about the strong links between the university and EGHS and the importance of educational opportunities in rural areas.

Board Vice Chair Cameron Evans, on behalf of Board Chair Ken Weldin who was unable to attend, said the annual general meeting was an important date on the Board’s calendar as it gave the health service the chance to publicly thank staff, volunteers, visiting medical officers and the community for their support and efforts over the year.

“It has been an uncertain time for all health services, including the East Grampians Health Service Board and staff. I know many of you have followed this closely. From that you may be aware that upon release of its Health Services Plan, the Victorian Government ruled out the forced merger of health services in Victoria,” Mr Evans said.

“Ken has asked me to highlight that this is what the EGHS Board reiterated many times in our discussions with the Department of Health – and in a submission to the Expert Advisory Committee – with no appetite to merge with any other local health service without a clearly articulated plan and tangible benefits for our community.

“It is therefore our clear and consistent intention that our health service will continue to deliver services to you, our community, under the banner of East Grampians Health Service, under strong local governance and management.”

Mr Evans highlighted many significant achievements of the health service during the 2023-2024 financial year.

This included an increase in services, brought about the employment of more anaesthetists, surgeons, nurses and support staff to care for the higher patient numbers, a boost for the health service and a financial bonus for the local community.

EGHS continues to manage its environmental impact, with its Environmental Management Plan assisting to improve fleet fuel efficiency; reducing single-use or disposable takeaway containers in the cafeteria; using recycled materials in the new occupancy of the psychiatric service building and IPU discharge lounge; mulching gardens across the health service and introducing new recycling initiatives and regular waste audits.

Mr Evans said a significant highlight this year was receiving State Government funding of $2.8 million to develop a new Practical Laboratory and purchase a new CT scanner.

“Medical students will use the Laboratory while completing the Doctor of Medicine Rural Training Stream,” Mr Evans said.

Tragically in February, a heat wave brought a warning of catastrophic fire danger and fire resulting in over forty homes being lost, devastating the Pomonal community.

“Sadly, two EGHS staff members lost their home and now have the arduous task of rebuilding their lives,” he said.

“But it was inspirational to see first-hand staff members being encouraged to leave work by their colleagues, attend their homes, and support family members and livestock.  Staff pitched in, working longer hours to cover staff gaps. Thank you to the staff for the support they have shown each other and our community.”

An important community initiative, the Smiles 4 Miles saw approximately 800 local children and their families receive education on healthy eating and oral hygiene and the work with the Grandfriends program continued, promoting bonds, connections and well-being between elderly residents and their young visitors.

“Our relationship with Budja Budja continues to strengthen through engagement with Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers and in committing to developing safe and inclusive environments that consider culture and First Nations organisations,” Mr Evans said.

In another significant achievement, the EGHS@Home program delivered 23,000 occasions of service in 2023-2024 compared to 8520 in the previous financial year. EGHS is currently delivering approximately 75 occasions of service each weekday.

EGHS is also now partnering with a registered Family Day Care program on the health service site, offering flexible, short-notice childcare for EGHS staff to support flexibility.

Mr Evans highlighted the strong learning culture of the health service.

“This year, 16 aspiring doctors from Western Victoria, began making their dreams a reality, beginning their Deakin University medical studies in Ararat. A significant step for EGHS and the Wimmera community. We thank Deakin University for their vision and supporting rural Victoria,” he said.

“The long-running Graduate Nurse Program has had continued success with 36 graduates continuing work at EGHS, a 51 per cent retention rate.

“We are proud of staff who have demonstrated a commitment to our organisational values of continuing to learn and develop through education, sharing their knowledge with other health professionals and delivering excellence in health care.”