Patients in Robe will soon feel the benefits of improved facilities at the Robe Medical Centre after they were successful in applying for funding under the Federal Government’s Rural General Practice Grants program.
Member for Barker, Tony Pasin today welcomed the announcement that the Robe Medical Centre would receive over $275,000 in grant funding.
“This grant will assist the Robe Medical Centre to expand and improve its facilities,” Mr Pasin said.
“I understand the community has been in need of general practice expansion for some time and I’m so pleased that I could help facilitate access to this grant program. It’s a big win for the whole community,” Mr Pasin said.
“Better facilities will allow more doctors, nurses and other health workers to get hands-on training in general practices in regional areas like Robe. Hopefully it will also encourage more trained staff to come and work and live in Robe permanently,” said Mr Pasin.
The Robe Medical Centre is amongst 67 that were offered grants across the nation, with a total of $13.1 million under the Government’s Rural General Practice Grants program.
Assistant Minister for Health, David Gillespie, said practices would match the amount of their grants to undertake their projects.
Dr Gillespie said the projects could range from building new rooms to renovating existing rooms and buying computing technology or medical equipment.
“As well as medical graduates, they may be used for training overseas trained doctors, nurses, Aboriginal health workers or other health professionals employed in the practice,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Other grants will be used to create meeting rooms where patients can receive education about health conditions, such as diabetes, so they can take a more active role in managing their own health.
“The Government supports a strong primary care workforce that can meet Australia’s future healthcare needs.
“Improving access to doctors and other health professionals in rural and regional Australia is a priority for our long term national health plan.”
For additional comment please contact The District Council of Robe as the Council is the lead applicant for the grant.
