The delivery of regional health services across the entire Limestone Coast Local Health Network will be investigated.

The government has allocated $1million for this,” Health Minister Chris Picton revealed during his recent visit to the Naracoorte Hospital.

“On top of this $8million investment (for the Naracoorte Hospital), a further $1million has been allocated to investigate regional service delivery across the entire Limestone Coast Local Health Network,” Mr Picton said.

He said the Malinauskas Labor government made it clear when announcing the $8million election commitment that this would only be the first stage of a considerable investment in Naracoorte as a crucial regional health hub.

“The planning funds will be separated, with $750,000 allocated to consolidating and build on previous master planning and identify infrastructure and health service priorities for further investment.

“The remaining $250,000 will be dedicated to a broader regional clinical services plan, considering the implications for the delivery of services across the entire Limestone Coast.”

Mr Picton said this would include considering the existing service delivery and the supporting of state and Commonwealth aged care sites.

“The scope of the review has been finalised, with the Local Health Network preparing to engage an external consultant to develop this important plan in coming months.”

Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said he advocated strongly for the $1million review into what future health services would look like, not just for Naracoorte, but the surrounding areas.

This article appeared in the  Naracoorte Community News.
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