Green light for $4.120 million community health upgrade

East Grampians Health Service has received $4.120 million from the Victorian Government to redevelop the Community Health Centre, integrating Ararat Rural City Council’s Maternal and Child Health and Home and Community Care services onto the one site.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Jill Hennessy made the announcement in Ararat on Friday March 3.

The project, which has a total cost of $4.120 million, will involve refurbishment of the Community Health Centre building, situated in Girdlestone Street Ararat, and extension of the front of the building to accommodate consulting rooms, Ararat Rural City maternal and child health rooms and activity/education/meeting rooms.

The physiotherapy/rehabilitation area and dental clinic will remain as is but the northern end of the building will receive minor refurbishments.

The project will provide a more accessible front entry, a larger waiting area and a revamp of the reception and public toilet areas.

The Outreach Building, which currently houses the EGHS Community Nursing service, will be refurbished to accommodate the Ararat Rural City HACC program. It will also include a new external play space for the Ark Toy and Activity Centre.

The EGHS primary care services currently located in the Community Health Centre and Outreach Building include a dental clinic, women’s health, physiotherapy/physiology, health promotion, diabetes care, podiatry, occupational therapy, community nursing, social work, speech pathology, visiting medical and health professionals, dietetics, continence nursing and services to prisoners at Ararat regional prisons.

East Grampians Health Service Board president Matt Wood said the announcement of $4.120 million in funding for the Community Health Centre expansion project was exciting news for the health service.

“This project will enhance the delivery of the health service’s primary care services and foster a stronger partnership with Ararat Rural City Council’s primary care services,” Mr Wood said.

“The Victorian Government funding will ensure that those who live in the Ararat region have access to the highest quality care.

“The integration of the maternal and child health service and HACC into the Community Health Centre will mean we will be a one stop shop for primary care services for all stages of life, from our new mums and babies through to people requiring home care in their later years.

“We are very grateful for the support of the Victorian Government for what we believe is an important project for the future health of the community.”