Health and aged care services in Maffra are set to get a major boost with the State Government announcing approval for a Maffra Hospital Master Plan.
Central Gippsland Health Chief Executive, Dr Frank Evans, said this was a major step towards a proposed rebuilding of the hospital to keep pace with the changing needs of the community.
“The Maffra Hospital has served its community well but it needs to undergo significant redevelopment,” Dr Evans said.
“We have been working on this process for some years and are thrilled we can now move to the planning stage.
“A Project Group will be set up comprising the Department of Health and Human Services, our staff and our consumers. We want the local community to be involved and have input.”
Meanwhile in another significant development for the Maffra community, the Maffra Hospital will have its own allied health staff on site from the end of this month to work with the community and aged care residents.
A physiotherapist will be based at the hospital from this week and an occupational therapist care coordinator is currently being recruited.
Maffra Hospital Director of Nursing and Aged Care, Paul Head, said the area once used for operating theatres in the hospital would be refurbished to accommodate a physiotherapy gym and an occupational therapy room.
“This is a great initiative for the Maffra community as it means residents no longer have to travel to Sale for these allied health services,” Mr Head said. “Local GPs can refer their patients here.”
Caption: Maffra Hospital – set to undergo a major upgrade this year.
For more details contact Lynne Smith on 0437 918234 or email lsmith@wordwisecommunications.com.au