The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to provide families in East Gippsland with access to quality healthcare services, with upgraded kitchen services now being used at the Bairnsdale Regional Health Service.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced work on more than $250,000 worth of new kitchen equipment and facilities is now complete to support staff to deliver the best experience to patients receiving care.

The upgrade, which is funded from the fourth round of the Labor Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, has improved the kitchen layout and allowed the purchase of new cooking centres, blast chillers and trolleys to suit them.

The funding has also upgraded the electrical switchboard and power supply to support hardworking kitchen staff.

The new kitchen and equipment will better manage the cook and chill processes with the new blast chillers greatly reducing the existing chilling process for improved meal flows and staff movement within the kitchen area.

This investment builds on more than $1.55 million previously invested in Bairnsdale Regional Health Service for projects including a new family birthing centre, car park and traffic works to improve access to the hospital and nurse call systems – ensuring modern and accessible facilities for staff and patients.

After a $300 million boost in the Victorian Budget 2022/23, the $790 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund helps health services and agencies across regional Victoria deliver safe and efficient care for local communities – and has funded more than 480 projects since 2016.

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas

“Everyone deserves access to quality health care facilities and services close to home and we’re ensuring the East Gippsland community has exactly that.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This is about ensuring patients in East Gippsland get the best care, from the best professionals, in the best facilities close to home.”