Bellarine Community Health join campaign asking Victorian Government for vital funding

Bellarine Community Health join campaign asking Victorian Government for vital funding

Bellarine Community Health has called on the state government to stump up critical funding for regional health services overwhelmed by unprecedented and “unsustainable” pressure.

Bellarine Community Health (BCH) has called on the state government to stump up critical funding for regional services overwhelmed by unprecedented and “unsustainable” pressure.

The group has joined a growing chorus demanding action from Victorian premier Dan Andrews to help with “overwhelming demand” facing regional healthcare systems.

All 24 registered independent community health services across metro, rural and regional areas are asking for an increase in core funding “by at least 20 per cent” to meet population growth and ensure crucial health care.

The combined services employ more than 10,000 staff.

BCH chief executive officer, Garry Ellis, said the new Community Health First campaign was launched out of desperation and a lack of increases “over the last 10 years.”

“We know that the key to solving our current healthcare crisis sits within our services,” he said.

“No other part of our healthcare system has the same level of community connection and stewardship, and ability to rapidly enact scalable responses to emerging public health issues.

“(We) ensure that world-class healthcare is accessible to all, especially the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in our communities.”

The campaign is demanding a 20 per cent cash boost to registered independent community health services, prioritisation of investment in regional health infrastructure and workforce development, and that services are recognised in the National Health Agreement.

A Community Health First campaign spokesman said funding was “urgently needed”.

“Without adequate investment in community health Victorians are being robbed of the opportunity to receive quality care that is focused on keeping communities healthy and out of emergency departments,” he said.

“Our health system is facing sustained pressure like never before.”

https://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/geelong/bellarine-health-services-join-campaign-asking-victorian-government-for-vital-funding/news-story/e07ed1e239ee8a28fa4697667c2f982b?btr=49efe19ea69f8f2c1dd37ff01174dba1