A RE-ELECTED Coalition government will commit $75,000 to a Maffra Hospital master plan, Gippsland East Nationals candidate Tim Bull announced last Thursday with Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and Eastern Victoria MLC Danny O’Brien.
This funding will allow for planning and business case development of the Maffra campus to ensure facilities are functional and fit for purpose for the Maffra community and surrounds.
Mr Bull said the facility played an important role in ensuring people can access the health care they need closer to home.
Central Gippsland Health Service chief executive Frank Evans welcomed the Coalition’s re-election commitment.
“The hospital serves a catchment population of around 8,800 people and is 63 years old,” Dr Evans said.
“Some areas of the building are still in their original condition.”
According to Dr Evans, a minor upgrade of the McDonald Wing was done in 2010 to improve residents’ comfort at a cost of $580,000.
“We welcome this commitment of funds to determine a much needed long term plan for our health services in Maffra,” he added.
Mr Bull said the need for the development of a master plan had been stressed by Dr Evans on behalf of the board and he was delighted it would take place under a re-elected Coalition government.
Health Minister David Davis said the Maffra campus was approaching the end of its useful life and a master plan was required to ensure it was renewed and preserved for the local community.
The Central Gippsland Health Service Maffra provides residential aged care facilities, independent living facilities and community health.
The condition of the building is generally poor with only minor refurbishments carried out over the past 35 years.
