Morwell residents are one step closer to even better local health services after Health Minister Daniel Andrews marked a major milestone in the development of the new $21 million Latrobe Community Health Service.
Visiting Morwell today, Mr Andrews said the new state-of-the-art facility would ensure Latrobe City residents had access to the best health facilities possible well into the future.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to deliver high-quality services to all Victorians, no matter where they live,” Mr Andrews said.
“This facility will offer residents greater access local health services, and it is my pleasure to mark the commencement of this redevelopment with these demolition works.
“I commend Latrobe Community Health Service on its vision for this exciting development in Morwell.”
The Brumby Government committed $21 million to build a new Latrobe Community Health Service in the May State Budget, delivering on an election commitment.
Mr Andrews said the redevelopment will include new offices and consulting rooms and a range of health services such as alcohol and drug services, counselling, physiotherapy, district nursing, palliative care, and seniors’ and women’s health programs.
“The facility will also include six new dental chairs, establishing a hub for community and school dental services in Morwell and providing a base for training dentists in Gippsland” he said.
“The facility will also include six new dental chairs, establishing a hub for community and school dental services in Morwell."
“I look forward to seeing the completed building which will house about 120 staff and provide a modern facility delivering vital health services.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Matt Viney MLC said the project would consolidate services from two buildings into one facility on the existing Buckley Street site, creating a more functional one-stop-shop for community health services.
“Latrobe Community Health Service recently purchased an adjacent motel which is being demolished to make way for this redevelopment,” Mr Viney said.
Construction of the new building is expected to start late January 2009 with the project to be complete in mid-2010.
The service will continue operating from its current home during construction.
In March this year, Mr Andrews launched the Latrobe Community Health Service’s Early Intervention in Chronic Disease program, which aims to reduce chronic disease.
“This $400,000 investment in managing chronic disease, along with the redevelopment of Latrobe Community Health Service, demonstrates the Brumby Government’s commitment for delivering health services in rural Victoria,” Mr Andrews said.