Orbost Regional Health (ORH) held its annual general meeting on Monday, December 2, in the boardroom, welcoming a large gathering of community members and stakeholders.
Chair Deb Miller delivered a succinct report reflecting on the 2023-24 achievements, challenges and plans for the future, emphasising transparency, accountability and collaboration as the foundation of the organisation’s pillars.
Ms Miller highlighted significant developments over the past year, including service changes, community-focused mitigation efforts and substantial investments in infrastructure and technology.
Key accomplishments included the completion of the strategic plan and the award of the construction contract for a new aged care facility.
The designs and plans for the facility have been finalised and the demolition of Lochiel House has been completed following consultations with residents, staff and families.
The central sterilisation area renovation, enabling endoscopy services, remains on track for its forecast completion.
A virtual medical admission service was also introduced, improving access to medical practitioners for acute ward admissions.
Despite early challenges, this innovation shows promise.
Another milestone was the Errinundra to Snowy project, which successfully recruited a registered nurse to provide remote nursing services to Bonang, Bendoc and Tubbut.
Recruitment and retention challenges persist, but ORH is addressing these issues by utilising agency staff and fostering local workforce development whether through contacts with outside health services throughout the wider Gippsland region or through growing their own locally.
Long-serving staff and volunteers were celebrated for their contributions:
– Ten years of service: Nicholas Martin.
– Thirty years of service: Irene Rowley, Tracy Hibberson and Kylie Morgan.
– Fifteen years of volunteer service: Linda Bennett and Edwin Slater.
Chief executive officer, Vicki Farthing provided an update on the upcoming residential aged care facility which is to replace both Lochiel House and Waratah Lodge.
The thoughtfully designed $45.36 million project, built by SJ Higgins, will feature 38 single rooms with private en suites, catering to the mental health and complex needs of residents.
The dementia-friendly facility will incorporate local architectural styles and natural, open spaces.
“This is a huge step forward for our community and a much-needed upgrade,” Ms Farthing said.
“We are focused on providing our older, most vulnerable residents with the comfort, care, and dignity they deserve.
“While nothing can replace someone’s home, we are committed to building a welcoming environment.”
Community input has shaped the plans, including feedback throughout the consultation phase from residents, their families and the local Aboriginal council, Moogji, which will supply plants for the facility’s gardens.
Completion is anticipated by late 2026 with over 135 construction jobs required to carry the build out, as well as job opportunities generated by the new facility once it is operational.
The AGM underscored ORH’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare and fostering strong community connections in East Gippsland.
