Euroa Health to offer HACC services

Strathbogie Shire Council is currently negotiating with Euroa Health Inc. and other stakeholders the transfer to Euroa Health of Health and Community Care (HACC) services, in a move designed to provide Strathbogie Shire residents with a more seamless provision of programs.

Presently supplied by Strathbogie Shire Council, the HACC responsibilities include programs such as Home Care, Personal Care, Property Maintenance, Planned Activities Group and the Meals on Wheels program.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor, Gregory Carlson said the transfer of all HACC activities to Euroa Health would provide a more efficient service to residents.

"The hospital is geared toward providing these types of programs, so it is the logical place for their placement'' Cr Carlson said. "The transfer will ensure the hospital will become a 'one-stop-shop' for these types of important health and community services. Residents can be assured that there will be no reduction in the quality of the services provided."

Cr Carlson said that previously, a person leaving hospital and requiring HACC services needed to contact the shire. Now, that person need only deal with one

organisation - the hospital.

"We believe this initiative provides residents with an improved and better integrated service to the community," Cr Carlson said.

Strathbogie Shire Council's Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Hannagan said all programs would be maintained in the transfer. The entitlements of transferring employees will also be secured with full entitlements and conditions transferring with them.

The proposed transfer of HACC services is subject to the approval of relevant funding agencies. more information

For more information: Marli Kelly on 0409 410 178 - 17 August, 2007

For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858