News

Health | October 22, 2018

Liberal Nationals to hand bush nursing centres a funding lifeline

The Nationals Member for Lowan and Shadow Minister for Country Health, Emma Kealy has announced that Bush Nursing Centres across Victoria will receive a funding boost to secure services for the next two years under an elected Liberal Nationals Government.

Victoria’s 15 community-based, not-for-profit Bush Nursing Centres (BNCs) including those in Balmoral, Dartmoor, Harrow and Lake Bolac are at risk of closure under Daniel Andrews after recent increases to nurse wages.

Ms Kealy said that if elected, all BNCs will get an additional $10,000 each year for the next two years to secure services while their funding structure is reviewed to ensure their long term financial viability.

“Local BNCs provide critical health care to our communities but city-centric Labor has failed to make sure the sector is properly funded,” Ms Kealy said.

“This funding commitment will make sure nurses and support staff can continue to deliver their essential health care services including allied health, respite care and emergency treatment to our local communities, ultimately saving lives.

“The city-centric Andrews Labor Government has abandoned Victoria’s BNCs, refusing to provide adequate recurrent funding despite recent changes to the nurses EBA that have pushed up costs and left Centres with no choice but to reduce services or cut back nursing hours.

“The Nationals know BNCs are critical health services in rural and remote communities – and we want to keep it that way.

“Only The Nationals will deliver better health services for our rural and remote communities.”