Minister for Health, David Davis, on Friday officially opened the $557,000 redevelopment of the bush nursing centre in Cann River with the Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.

Mr Bull said the Victorian Coalition Government delivered the funding towards the redevelopment at Cann Valley Bush Nursing Centre from the Bush Nursing Support Fund.

“The modern centre now includes a new treatment room, better ambulance access and improvements to patient and staff safety.

“This will ensure the health service is sustainable into the future and will meet the needs of local residents,” said Mr Bull.

Mr Davis said the redevelopment will ensure the health service can continue to deliver high quality health services for more than 600 people in the Cann Valley district, now and into the future.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on its election commitment to invest $2.2 million over four years into Victoria’s smallest bush nursing services through the Bush Nursing Support Fund,” Mr Davis said.

“The fund is addressing future demand and ensures rural Victorians can access a strong and sustainable, high quality local health service.

“The grants support small capital works projects such as refurbishments and infrastructure upgrades, as well as the purchase of new medical and IT equipment.”

Cann Valley Bush Nursing Centre provides essential primary health, home and community care and nursing services, as well as remote area nurses providing first line emergency care.

Mr Davis also paid tribute to the local community who has been battling ongoing bushfires this summer throughout Gippsland.

“The last few weeks have tested this community, and it is wonderful to see how well you all have responded,” Mr Davis said.

“Emergency response staff and volunteers alike, right across Gippsland, have made an incredible contribution to the welfare of this region and I offer my thanks to everyone who lent a hand.”

Mr Davis said the Coalition Government was ensuring Victoria had the key infrastructure in place to deliver high quality healthcare into the 21st century.