The Allan Labor Government will deliver more free healthcare to Euroa residents and upgrade their local hospital as Euroa Health Inc (EHI) transitions delivery of its acute services to the public health system.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes today announced that as part of the proposal endorsed by both health services, Goulburn Valley Health will take over Euroa’s acute services, and more than $5.5 million will be invested to deliver more care and upgrade the hospital.
As part of the changes, local patients will now be able to get free acute care at Euroa Bush Nursing Hospital – removing the need to have private health insurance or pay for care, or even travel to another town to receive free public health services.
Acute care includes services such as critical care, surgical services, Hospital in the Home, specialist clinics and trauma and emergency services.
GV Health will run and grow the acute and urgent care services in Euroa, continuing to provide a range of essential services for palliative care patients, cardiac patients those requiring diabetes management and rehabilitation.
The new arrangement will protect local jobs with all staff to join GV Health or remain at EHI, which will continue to run the GraniteHill private residential aged-care and community services.
The Labor Government is improving healthcare across the region, delivering the almost $230 million Shepparton Hospital redevelopment and $10.2 million for GV Health to create new staff accommodation so they can attract more staff to the region.
The Labor Government has already invested more than $960,000 through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund for EHI, delivering new equipment, security improvements and building upgrades.
This additional $5.5 million investment will support the transition of acute services to GV Health - delivering to the hospital upgrades, including the relocation and upgrade of offices and community gym, as well as an upgrade to the acute services area.
It is expected that GV Health will assume responsibility for the acute service at Euroa from July 2024.
The formal approval process is underway - GV Health and EHI will now work with the Department of Health on an implementation plan.
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“This is great news for our region delivering on our promise to keep acute care services in Euroa so that the community can continue getting the critical care it needs close to home.”
“This new arrangement will cut out the need for people to travel for free care, while securing jobs into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
““This plan will make it easier for the Euroa community to access free healthcare closer home.”
“Thousands of people in the Strathbogie region will benefit from this announcement, which will provide improved access to free acute care, help ease pressure on public health services in nearby towns and support local jobs.”
