03 May 2017 Mansfield Courier, Mansfield VIC (General News) by Jarrah Loh Funding will allow for start of the total refurbishment for Buckland Nursing Home LABOR upper house member Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) visited Mansfield last Thursday to announce a major funding boost of almost $500,000 for the Mansfield District Hospital. Ms Symes announced the funding at Buckland House Nursing Home, where the money will be spent. The hospital said the $475,000 will be spent on updating bathrooms, bedrooms, the medication room, staff dining area, widening doorways for equipment and various other updates. These works will significantly enhance the quality of life for residents by improving their level of comfort, increasing independence, promoting dignity and providing a safer environment for both residents and staff, Ms Symes said. The investment will secure the future of Mansfield District Hospital and make a real difference to the lives of residents who will get the safe, high quality care and treatment they need. The funding is part of the $200 million Victorian Government Regional Health Infrastructure Fund the largest of its kind in history. I have been very excited with this fund, Ms Symes told the Mansfield Courier. It means the world to some of these people. And its been a joy to go around to country hospitals being able to give. Mansfield District Hospital chief executive officer Cameron Butler said the Buckland House renovations are just the beginning of a master plan for the hospital. Continued page 2 $475,000 to lift local aged care From page 1 There are big issues here, said Mr Butler. We have plans for a total refurbishment, but right now this is the priority. The hospital completed a clinical services plan in February and outlined a strategy for the next five years, which Mr Butler said is just the start of a master plan. The maternity wing and urgent care facilities have been highlighted as needing the most attention, but will need the money to kick it off. Director of clinical services Margaretanne Hood reinforced that the hospital is only getting started in its developments. We hope today is the first of many improvements, said Ms Hood. It is great for our residents this is very much the heart of our community and the age care is critical. Cindy McLeish (MLA, Eildon) said the money is a good starting point, but a long term view needs to be put into place. The planning for the aged care in the town is very important and needs to happen, Ms McLeish said. Mansfield is a growth pocket and the facilities are old and dated and need attention. Future planning for the hospital and the aged facility is critical. Caption Text: AGED BOOST: Pictured at the announcement of almost $500,000 funding for the Mansfield District Hospital (MDH) are (from left) Sue Shins, Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria), MDH chief executive officer Cameron Butler, David, Doreen, director of clinical services Margaretanne Hood and Jeremy Maiden. PHOTO: Jarrah Loh Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.