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Bull asks Minister to visit Maffra Hospital and fund master plan
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Bull asks Minister to visit Maffra Hospital and fund master plan

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, pictured with CEO Central Gippsland Health Service, Frank Evans, and former Member for Gippsland South, Peter Ryan and Member-elect for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien, at the Coalition's pre-election announcement of $75,000 to fund a hospital master plan.

Funding for the Maffra Hospital master plan was raised in State Parliament this week with Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, calling on the Minister to visit the facility.

Mr Bull said prior to the November election, he committed $75,000 for the development of a master plan, which would outline facility upgrades.

“In the lead up to the election there were calls for a commitment and we were happy to provide that, but unfortunately it did not receive bipartisan support as Labor made very few commitments in rural Victoria.

“The funding is to allow for planning and business case development for improvements to the Maffra campus to ensure facilities are functional and fit for purpose for the community of Maffra and surrounds,” Mr Bull told Parliament.

“The facility plays an important role for those living in Maffra, Heyfield, Stratford, Boisdale, Briagolong and other local communities in ensuring people can access the health care they need closer to home.

“The hospital serves a catchment population of around 8,800 people and is 63 years old. Some areas of the building are still in their original condition and badly in need of an upgrade,” he said.

“It is a fact that some areas of the Maffra Hospital are approaching the end of their useful life and a master plan is required to ensure this asset is renewed and preserved for the local community.

“The condition of the building is generally poor with only minor refurbishments carried out over the past 35 years and the development of a plan is the first stage in addressing this.”

Mr Bull said he would be delighted to host the Minister in a visit to the facility and see first-hand the need for this funding and discuss the matter with management of the Central Gippsland Health Service.

The Minister responded to Mr Bull by stating she would schedule a visit when she is in the area, but unfortunately gave no commitment to a timeframe. Mr Bull will continue to pursue a date for the visit.