03 Aug 2016 Yarrawonga Chronicle, Yarrawonga VIC (General News) by Fiona Blick Yarrawonga Health is not resting on its laurels after being awarded the Premiers Rural Health Service of the Year with the official opening last week of three redevelopments and the launch of an innovative community project as well as a new strategic plan with a combined value of $1.16 million. The redevelopment projects involved building new student accommodation and consulting suites plus the refurbishment of the Allawah Aged Care Facility. The two storey building for student nurses, doctors and health workers was named the John Richards Student Accommodation Centre after long time benefactor of the hospital John Richards. Mr Richards was on the hospital board for almost 30 years and had received an honorary doctorate from La Trobe University in recognition of his health promotion work. The new Allawah refurbishment was named after the late Dr Frank Lyons, a Yarrawonga GP for more than 40 years; his wife Terry and his three sons Andrew, Michael and Chris were on hand to witness the dedication. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes was special guest at the official launch last Wednesday and she said local residents now had better access to the high quality health and aged care services they needed. A new state-of-the-art student accommodation centre has been built with space for up to eight medical students while on placement at Yarrawonga Health, Ms Symes said. Located opposite the health service and the Clinical Education Centre, it is very practical for students and shows working and living in country areas is an attractive option. The revamped Allawah Aged Care Facility now provides additional and improved bedrooms and bathroom facilities including plenty of extra space for the residents. In addition to this, Ms Symes said the refurbished Moira Community Rehabilitation Clinic now had a new waiting room and reception area, eight new consulting rooms and a gymnasium facility that could be used by the whole community as well as acute and residential aged care service users. Another part of the extensive works has seen improvements to the main entry on Piper Street which allows easy and safe entry for people with disabilities and mobility challenges, she said. According to Ms Symes the 2016-2019 Yarrawonga Health Strategic Plan created a new vision and clear direction for the health service for the next three years by committing to new opportunities in models of care, partnerships for future development and the promotion of current and future services. As well as the Strategic Plan, a new community project Helping Hands was launched which will develop stronger links between Yarrawonga Health and the community with the aim to expand and plan activities connecting the two. Ms Symes announced an increase in State Government funding for 2016/17 with Yarrawonga Health receiving $9.99 million in funding which is $280,000 more than the previous financial year. Yarrawonga Health was also allocated $150,000 as a result of the Travis Review to expand elective surgery capacity, supporting an additional 100 patients to be treated each year, Ms Symes said. These upgrades and the governments funding boost for Yarrawonga Health will mean more patients can access the care they need and deserve, when they need it. I also acknowledge the foresight of the hospital in developing a strategic plan that sets out a clear blueprint to deliver the very best care for its patients, now and into the future. The Yarrawonga Health launch was held at the Anglican church hall to accommodate the numbers of interested people who support the health service. This is the biggest turnout to any hospital event I have been to since I was elected, Ms Symes said. Congratulations to you all, these developments and plans are wonderful additions to your very valuable hospital. It is important that country people, no matter where you live, can access world best health care. Caption Text: Terry Lyons, wife of the late Dr Frank Lyons, with o John Richards. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, Yarrawonga Health CEO Elaine Mallows and Board Chair Paul Flavel. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.