General News
8 March, 2023
Hospital redevelopment
The redevelopment vision has moved a step closer for Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) under an investment from the State Government to advance the existing master plan through to the schematic and design planning phase.
The redevelopment vision has moved a step closer for Terang and Mortlake Health Service (TMHS) under an investment from the State Government to advance the existing master plan through to the schematic and design planning phase.
An online survey has been launched to give the community an opportunity to provide feedback to ensure the new facility aligns with its needs.
In addition, a community consultation session will also be held on Tuesday, March 21 from 3pm at Mortlake Community Health Centre.
TMHS director of community health Jane Bourman invited the community to have their say on the next phase.
“It is imperative that we understand what the community want and need so that this building will serve the people of Mortlake and surrounds for many decades to come,” she said.
“In 2022 the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) granted us seed funding of around $400,000 to advance our master plan that many of the community will be familiar with.
“This funding will allow us to advance to the schematic and detailed design phase to be eligible to submit to the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) later in 2023 for full project funding.”
Terang and Mortlake Health Service commenced the planning for the Mortlake Community Health Centre redevelopment in 2018 in a bid to replace the existing facility.
“The driver of this change has been the current out-dated community centre cannot support the services that the Mortlake community need, expect and deserve,” Ms Bourman said.
“The existing infrastructure was deemed unsatisfactory to expand due to condition, non-compliance, poor operational efficiency and low functional suitability.”
The current plan aims to provide a fit-for-purpose facility which centralises TMHS existing capabilities in one place, making for a more efficient experience for consumers and medical staff.
“The proposed new centre will be of leading edge design, incorporating co-location of medical, nursing, allied health and wellness programs that provides opportunities for multidisciplinary health
collaboration, through Rural Health partnerships and wrap around care for our consumers,” Ms Bourman said.
“This new build will reorientate the centre to achieve closer proximity to the township and improve disability access as well as provide expanded services for our aging population and new families moving to town.
“Having local facilities and services in turn lessens the burden on our regional partners such as South West Health care and ensures the community can have access to services where they live.”
Ms Bourman said TMHS has a vision for a brand new, fit for purpose Community Health Centre for Mortlake but want the community to play an integral role in developing the plan.
“The Mortlake Community Health Centre will be rebuilt to provide a contemporary and flexible facility that supports ambulatory and Better@Home models of care,” she said.
Additional aspects of the plan include four differing zones to accommodate a range of consumer needs:
The Outpatient Zone will feature infection controlled areas for unscheduled assessments and nursing treatments:
The Medical Zone for operation by the co-located general practice;
The Community Health Zone will feature flexible spaces for assessment and treatment of individuals and groups for the delivery of services provided by Terang and Mortlake Health Services, Moyne Shire (Maternal and Child Health) South West Health Care (visiting Allied Health clinicians) and others as consumer demand dictates; and
The Shared Zone- front of house, reception, patient administration, waiting areas, public amenities, shared group facilities.
To have your say visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/59BH75F.
A physical copy of the survey can also be requested from TMHS on 5558 7000 and returning the completed paper copy to Terang and Mortlake Health Service at PO Box 122, Terang, 3264.
