“The pandemic has brought out the best in our staff, displaying commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community by finding innovative solutions to challenges and looking out for each other.
“We’ve also experienced wonderful displays of community generosity and kindness to our staff and residents.”
Ms Panter also thanked her fellow board members and discussed a 2019-22 strategic plan, the service’s key document moving forward based on the goals of ‘better health, better access and better care’.
“The strategic plan implementation framework ensures our strategic plan remains dynamic, meaningful and achievable with defined and measurable actions for our staff and the board,” she said.
Ms Panter also spoke on the health group’s capital-development projects and acknowledged that maintaining a skilled workforce was a challenge.
“The redevelopment of our second theatre, medical imaging and pathology departments, second lift and relocation of the palliative care area has been made possible with State Government funding of $8.6-million,” she said.
“Each area is being upgraded and enhanced, bringing them up to first-class standards where we can deliver safe, quality care.
“We’re confident that East Grampians Health Service will continue to provide a comprehensive health service that will focus on the needs of our community.
“Our education programs are equipping the next generation of health professionals with skills, which help ensure we can continue to deliver a first-rate rural health service.
“These achievements have been gained through participation and collaboration with other health partners, all tiers of government, tertiary institutions and, of course, our community.
“We look forward with interest to the next challenging year.”
Ms Panter said the board was committed to ensuring the health organisation was providing safe services to the community.
She said in the past year the health group had prepared for re-accreditation of its aged-care centre at 70 Lowe Street and Willaura Healthcare and was awaiting visits from assessors from the aged care quality and safety commission.
Ms Panter said in providing the best care to consumers the board had support from volunteers, auxiliary members and financial donors.
“Without them, we as a health service could not provide some of the additional facilities for our patients and residents,” she said.
“Our 150 volunteers, five auxiliaries and many external service groups make a significant contribution to help us achieve our goals. The contribution by so many is greatly appreciated.”
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