In a Victorian healthcare system where workforce shortages are rampant and regional hospitals remain at the losing end of budget cuts, Kyabram District Health Service’s leaders have committed to another year of focusing on place-based, community-focused healthcare for Kyabram and district residents.
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The Free Press sat down with KDHS board chair Chris Motton and chief executive Anne McEvoy to chat about 2024 and what to expect from 2025.
With over 300 employees and thousands of patients that have passed through the halls of KDHS this year, the service’s growth is undeniable, and it’s something Ms McEvoy and Mr Motton have taken notice of.
“A fairy large body of work has been done to ensure that we have a consistency of medical workforce and support for our nurses,” Mr Motton said.
“Our urgent care numbers have increased, which to me, shows confidence in the community.
“It’s important that we are supporting the system around people’s needs for urgent care.”
Mr Motton and Ms McEvoy said a number of projects aimed at either improving facilities or creating opportunities for growth for the health service had either begun or been set in place for the future.
In 2024, the board continued working to the four-year strategic plan implemented in 2023 and included with that were a number of infrastructure projects.
There was a boost in May with the announcement of $4.5 million in state government funding to improve the central sterile services department.
The construction, which began in November, is expected to be completed in 2025.
The upgrade includes an updated layout of the department so tools used in surgery can be cleaned, kept in a sterile environment and used again in surgery in a much more efficient way — aiming to reduce the waitlist for elective surgeries.
Also in May, in conjunction with the Kyabram Chamber for Commerce and Campaspe Shire Council, KDHS released a set of videos targeted at potential employees to sell Kyabram as a destination of liveability.
Aptly named ‘Destination Ky’, the videos are part of a wider project to improve workforce retention in the region, an issue KDHS is trying to improve with its infrastructure.
In October, the state government announced a grant for KDHS to build two apartments for future employees to temporarily live in before they find permanent housing.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades and capital projects, the KDHS team has been working to address cultural awareness among staff.
Ms McEvoy said 63 per cent of staff had four hours of face-to-face cultural safety training developed and performed by the local Aldara Yenara Aboriginal Corporation.
“Research around Aboriginal health outcomes are not good. The health system is one of the most poorly conceived systems for First Nations people … so (training) was significant,” Ms McEvoy said.
Stanhope Health, which is presided over by KDHS, has also seen growth, with the first GP making their way to the service in over 14 months in August, the development of a new telecare health system to offset the lack of regional health resources, and a new diabetes outreach program to tackle the high rates of the disease in the area.
Next year, Mr Motton said KDHS would be working to adapt to the new Victorian health system reforms put forward this year by Premier Jacinta Allan.
The Victorian Health Service Plan is aimed at addressing challenges in the public healthcare system and strengthening health outcomes for the community through a number of recommendations.
In line with the reforms, KDHS will be transitioning its information and communications technology system to align with GV Health as part of the Hume health network.
Mr Motton said this would provide seamless transition for patients going between the two hospitals where documents could be easily accessible for any services within that health network.
Ms McEvoy said KDHS was aiming to focus on mental health improvement next year, a community-wide issue it had identified.
“We’re definitely trying to grow (mental health support) capacity but also advocating for funded agencies to come here,” she said.
“One will be through sending staff over a couple of days a week to integrate with our team — because it is all around mental health and at that really early intervention stage.”
Community is still a priority for staff at the hospital, with the majority of the KDHS workforce residing in or around Kyabram.
Throughout the year, the team has held a number of community events to interact and engage with the community, events such as International Day for People With Disability, which the What We Can Do Group hosted with KDHS backing.
“It’s important for people to put a face to the name — especially if the name is tied to the board of a hospital,” Mr Motton said.
“We’ve enjoyed engaging in those community events and being able to have that connection.”
Top Free Press headlines for Kyabram District Health Service
Health minister announces $4.5m for Kyabram District Health Service
On Thursday, March 28 Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited Kyabram District Health Service to announce a $4.5 million boost to upgrade the central sterilising unit and streamline procedures.
KDHS launches videos to boost tourism and employment
Kyabram District Health Service, in conjunction with Campaspe Shire Council and Kyabram Chamber of Commerce, premiered a collection of promotional videos on Thursday, May 23 named ‘Destination Ky’ aimed at promoting Kyabram as the next tourist destination of the region.
Clinic opening brings Stanhope’s search for a GP to a close
The 14-month medical drought in Stanhope finally ended, with the groundbreaking launch of Victoria’s first telehealth-focused medical clinic on Monday, August 12.
KDHS cancer unit reopens after March blaze
In October, the oncology team finally welcomed patients back through its doors after a fire put the unit out of service for seven months.
Reduced surgery wait times expected after upgrades
In November, works began on the refurbishment of the central sterile services department for which Kyabram District Health Service received a $4.5 million grant. The upgrade is expected to streamline procedures and reduce surgery wait times.
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