Beechworth has biggest slice of pie NORTH East aged-care services have received an injection of money to boost quality of life for residents. Beechworth Health Service has received $400,000, the largest slice of the Victorian government funding being shared across Northern Victoria. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced this week residential aged-care services in the public sector throughout the region would share almost a million dollars to improve services and boost the quality of care for residents. Beechworth Health Service chief executive Cameron Butler said the funding would see 12 shared ensuites converted into 24 private bathrooms. He said about 32 residents were sharing bathrooms and expected the number to drop to eight after the renovations. It certainly enhances their privacy and dignity and its more comfortable, Mr Butler said. There was certainly a need for the funding because in this day and age residents and families are really wanting private facilities in terms of single bedrooms and bathrooms and this does allow us to cater for the demand. Mr Butler expects the bathrooms will be revamped by July next year. Yarrawonga District Health Service has also received $284,300, and $260,000 will go towards the Allawah unit to improve the home environment in the dementiafriendly unit. Eight residential rooms will also be refurbished with separate ensuites. Tallangatta Health Service has received $44,300 in funding and Alpine Health Myrtleford $24,300. Albury Wodonga Health, Benalla Health, Indigo North Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta and Upper Murray Health and Community Services have received $14,300 for training for aged-care nurses and new specialist equipment. These state-owned facilities play a vital role in delivering aged care for vulnerable Victorians, Ms Symes said. In small country communities, public providers can be the sole local provider, and are also central to the economy and jobs. It certainly enhances their privacy and dignity and its more comfortable There was certainly a need for the funding. CAMERON BUTLER Caption Text: Cameron Butler in one of Beechworths soon-to-be refurbished bathrooms. Picture: PETER MERKESTEYN