The State Government has committed $5 million towards health service accommodation. At the BCH project site location (from left): Chris Peterson (Facilities Engineer), Carley Gilliland (Manager Medical Workforce), Shaun Brooks (Acting CEO) with Jordan Crugnale MP.
The State Government has committed $5 million towards health service accommodation in Bass Coast.
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale announced Bass Coast Health has been successful in the first round of the $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund.
The health service will receive $5 million towards the $13 million project that will deliver a purpose-built, hotel-style accommodation facility on vacant land at the Wonthaggi Hospital for key health workers and their families.
"This project will increase the supply of accommodation for health workers, reduce Bass Coast Health's reliance on leasing other residential properties and hotel accommodation which in turn will free up housing supply for the broader rental market in our region," said Ms Crugnale.
"As our community grows, so too does the need for health services and we want our community to get the care and support they need close to home."
Acting Bass Coast Health CEO, Shaun Brooks, welcomed the announcement for the Staff Accommodation Facility (SAF) Project and reiterated the housing challenge for BCH as they expand health services.
"Like most regional health services, we have Melbourne-based specialists and health workers come for two or more shifts.
"Offering local accommodation ensures we are able to offer many of these clinical services, including critical medical, nursing and allied health. Having the SAF onsite will also reduce travel time for on-call workers housed in other towns," he said.
Mr Brooks also acknowledged BCH had received excellent support from Bass Coast Shire Council, Alfred Health, Jordan Crugnale MP and the Minister for Health.
"I'd like to thank them for helping us highlight the need for this facility which will benefit our community by allowing BCH to continue to provide high-quality healthcare closer to home. Together, we'll make our vision for onsite staff housing a reality," Mr Brooks said.
More than 20 projects were supported through the first round of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund. For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au/rwaf
