Moyne Health Services was in party mode on Friday afternoon as its new urgent care centre was officially opened by Eda Ritchie AM.
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The occasion marked 931 days since then Health Minister Jill Hennessy announced $2.1 million funding for the construction of the centre and refurbishment to the hospital, built in 1976.
But the service’s CEO Jackie Kelly said the project hit a snag in early 2018 when the board identified a shortfall of approximately $500,000, with its completion reliant on a “fund-raising journey” led by Mrs Ritche.
“As of today, we have raised in excess of $600,000 – which is a wonderful testament to Eda and our local community's commitment and engagement with the organisation,” Ms Kelly said.
The new centre represents a “game-changer”, Ms Kelly said, in offering modernised facilities and introducing new technology to help with assessments and support out-patients.
"It means the community will have confidence they'll be looked after when they're unwell,” she said.
MHS board chair Karen Foster said while Port Fairy was a small town it “punches above its weight”.
“We're only 25 minutes away from a major hospital, but there's no reason why we need to be a poor cousin,” she said.
“I think it's wonderful we've got access to this kind of facility. And in particular during summer when the population swells, there’s a lot of pressure on services, so this is an amazing achievement.”
Moyne Health Services is a public, not-for-profit, integrated healthcare service which employs almost 200 people.
It operates a 15 bed acute hospital, 52 place hostel, 30 place nursing home, accident and emergency, primary and community services, adult day centre and allied health services.
