The Hon Dr David Gillespie MP
Assistant Minister for Health
Member for Lyne
Senator John Williams
Senator for New South Wales
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
12th July 2017
Patients in Mullumbimby will soon feel the benefits of improved facilities at the Mullumbimby Medical Centre after it was selected for a Federal Government grant.
Senator for New South Wales John Williams today welcomed the announcement that the Medical Centre would receive a $300,000 grant.
The practice is one of 67 that were offered grants across the nation, with a total of $13.1 million allocated under the Government’s Rural General Practice Grants program.
“This grant will enable the Mullumbimby Medical Centre to significantly expand its current facility,” Senator Williams said.
“The centre is operating at 100% capacity and its two-storey extension will include four consulting rooms, two treatment rooms, two offices, pathology collection, larger reception and foyer, and multi-purpose group meeting area for group sessions and patient education events.
“Additional equipment will also be purchased as part of the expansion.
“Better facilities will allow more doctors, nurses and other health workers to get hands-on training in general practices in rural and remote areas.
“They will be able to attend to patients and also, when they are fully qualified, are more likely to decide to stay in these areas or join another rural community in New South Wales.”
Assistant Minister for Health Dr David Gillespie said practices would match the amount of their grants to undertake their projects.
Dr Gillespie said the projects could range from building new rooms to renovating existing rooms and buying computing technology or medical equipment.
“As well as medical graduates, they may be used for training overseas trained doctors, nurses, Aboriginal health workers or other health professionals employed in the practice,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Other grants will be used to create meeting rooms where patients can receive education about health conditions, such as diabetes, so they can take a more active role in managing their own health.
“The Government supports a strong primary care workforce that can meet Australia’s future healthcare needs.
“Improving access to doctors and other health professionals in rural and regional Australia is a priority for our long term national health plan.”