Community backs health centre

Anne Edgerton, Daniel Andrews, Tracey Chenoweth

A brand new $2.5 million home for Dunmunkle Health Services in Murtoa has opened its doors, boosting access to vital health services in the Wimmera region.
The facility, known as Murtoa Community Health Centre, received a stamp of approval from the local community, with more than 150 residents and guests attending the official opening and taking the opportunity to receive a guided tour of the building.
Health Minister Daniel Andrews toured and officially opened the development – a new fully integrated community facility.
He told the gathering they had received excellent value for the $2.5 million investment.
“This building is a real credit to Dunmunkle Health Services and the local builders,” Mr Andrews said.
“I visit a lot of hospitals and health centres each year and I can honestly say you’ve received a lot of building for $2.5 million,” he said.
Dunmunkle Health Services board president Anne Edgerton paid tribute to the work of centre general manager Tracey Chenoweth and her team.
“Tracey has been a driving force in getting the centre up and running and with her team was able to move everything from the old building in one weekend without losing one minute of patient time,” Anne said.
Mr Andrews inspected the progress of construction works for the redevelopment on the corner of Marma and McDonald Streets last October and on Friday returned for the official opening and to unveil a plaque.
“This facility is a prime example of how health services in rural areas are evolving to meet the needs of their community and the changing nature of health delivery,” he said.
“With a focus on health promotion and primary health intervention, the new campus is a modern facility with district nursing, allied health, primary and community health, and general practitioner services.
“The co-location of the town’s pharmacy within the centre provides added convenience and is a great example of partnership with local business.”
Mr Andrews said Dunmunkle Health Services board of management and staff, with the Department of Human Services, had worked together on the project since 2006.
“This facility has been designed to blend in with the local environment to ensure it compliments surrounding heritage buildings,” he said.

Short URL: http://www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au/?p=655

Posted on Apr 2 2009

Posted by Weekly Advertiser on Apr 2 2009. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry