June 2006

Community health Budget boost

Two key metropolitan community health services will be relocated and rebuilt, services across the State expanded and waiting times reduced as part of a $29.8 million boost to community health.

Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the 2006–07 State Budget boost would help meet the challenges of providing local health services to Victorians.

'Community health centres are a vital part of our world-class public health system, delivering on-the-ground services to people across the state.'

Ms Pike said the 2006–07 State Budget Meeting the Challenges initiative included:

•          $19 million to build a new North Richmond Community Health Centre;

•          $6.6 million to relocate Monashlink Community Health's Clayton services in a new community hub, co-located with a range of other community health services provided by local government;

•          $2.1 million to expand community health services across the State to treat more people and speed up access to services at community health centres;

•          $2.1 million to extend the Refugee Nurse initiative to provide nursing care for newly-arrived refugees.

The new North Richmond Community Health Centre will replace two existing sites.

It will cater to more people and will boost its public dental treatment and mental health services to communities living in the City of Yarra.

Ms Pike said the new Monashlink facility would form part of a major community services redevelopment being undertaken by the City of Monash.

'The new facility will incorporate a number of Monash Council community services, including family, maternal, senior citizens and children's services.