Good news for Buloke, Loddon & Gannawarra: Healthcare Hubs are on the way!
Six communities in Buloke, Loddon and Gannawarra Shires are about to get a health boost! New Healthcare Hubs are opening up, bringing nurse practitioners and allied health services closer to home, alongside your existing GP.
The first four hubs will be in Kerang, Quambatook, Pyramid Hill and Boort. This project is funded by a $1.4 million grant from the Australian Government, and it’s all thanks to the hard work of the Integrated Health Network Alliance (IHN).
What’s the story?
- Locals told the IHN what they needed: easier access to a wider range of health services, closer to home, and delivered by a regular team who work together.
- These hubs will support local doctors, or fill gaps where there are none, making it easier to recruit new health professionals.
- Hubs will be led by GPs and nurse practitioners, with teams that could include physios, occupational therapists, podiatrists, dietitians and mental health counsellors.
- Services will start with one day per fortnight per hub, with telehealth and outreach services to fill gaps.
What are the benefits?
- This is all about making healthcare easier for people with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and mental illness.
- It’ll also help with palliative care and provide a one-stop shop for a range of needs.
- Ultimately, it aims to attract and retain more health professionals to the region, benefiting everyone.
The plan:
- This is a four-year trial, with ongoing evaluation and adaptation as needed.
- By year three, hubs should be more financially sustainable and offer more clinic days.
- An independent evaluation will assess the success of the model for use in other similar rural regions.
Who’s involved?
- This is a collaborative effort between IHN, Murray PHN, Northern District Community Health, several hospitals and health services, universities and local councils.
Get involved:
- This project is all about community! Stay tuned for more information about how you can get involved and make the most of these new hubs.
Remember:
- This is great news for the region, offering improved access to vital healthcare services.
- It’s a collaborative effort, and everyone can play a part in its success.
So let’s celebrate and welcome these new Healthcare Hubs! They’re a big step forward for better health in Buloke, Loddon and Gannawarra.
