Bass Coast Health has received $25,000 to conduct a feasibility study into options for after-hours care at the new Phillip Island Medical and Health Hub.
Federal Member for Flinders and Minister for Health Greg Hunt MP said the Federally-funded study would identify the best models of care for visitors and residents on Phillip Island.
“Lead agency Bass Coast Health will use this funding to investigate innovative models of care for after-hours medical treatment,” Minister Hunt said.
“Bass Coast Health will consult with the community through an advisory panel to identify any gaps with the current after-hours service and make recommendations for alternative delivery methods, based on successful approaches from around the country.”
Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child said this was an important collaboration with the Medical Centre, Ambulance Victoria and the Primary Health Network, in better meeting the medical needs of Phillip Island residents.
“This will provide options for the best future service model to ensure health services meet the needs of the community,” Ms Child said.
Gippsland Primary Health Network awarded the funding to Bass Coast Health through their After Hours Small Grants program.
“Small grants can really stimulate innovative solutions particularly when models are developed by local health services in partnership with their community,” CEO of Gippsland Primary Health Network Marianne Shearer said.
Construction is soon to commence on the Hub, with the facility expected to be operational in the first half of 2018.
The Hub will provide a range of new health and medical services in a state-of-the-art building. More importantly, it will become part of the Bass Coast Health network, and benefit from the service growth occurring at Wonthaggi Hospital in its journey to become a sub-regional hospital. This will further expand the availability of health services to Phillip Island over time.