New partnership strengthens community care
Grampians Health Edenhope and Harrow Bush Nursing Centre have signed an agreement that will expand access to essential health and support services for people living in Harrow, Edenhope and surrounding communities.
The agreement will enable Grampians Health Edenhope to support Harrow Bush Nursing Centre in delivering a broader range of in-home and community-based services.
The partnership comes at a time when demand for community-based aged care and support services continues to grow across rural communities, with most older Australians choosing to receive care in their own homes. National data shows around 800,000 older Australians access Commonwealth Home Support Programme services annually, while use of home care services has grown significantly in recent years.
The need is particularly relevant in the West Wimmera region, where the median age is 51 years, considerably higher than the Victorian median age of 38 years, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Under the agreement, Grampians Health Edenhope will provide a range of services on behalf of Harrow Bush Nursing Centre, including personal care, domestic assistance, social support and allied health services. The partnership will enhance access to services for eligible residents and help ensure they can receive the care and support they need closer to home.
Grampians Health Edenhope Campus Manager and Director of Nursing Folasade Obagbemi said the partnership would deliver significant benefits for the local community.
"This partnership is about expanding services and making it easier for people in our communities to access the care and support they need," Ms Obagbemi said.
"By working together, we can offer a broader range of services and help people remain living independently in their own homes without needing to travel to larger centres to receive support.
"We have a larger team and a wider range of services, which means we can help meet the growing needs of people living in Edenhope and surrounding areas.”
Ann Vaughan, Health Services Manager at Harrow Bush Nursing Centre, said the agreement would strengthen the organisation's ability to support local residents and respond to the growing demand for services.
"This partnership is an exciting opportunity for our community and the people we support," Ms Vaughan said.
"In regional areas, collaborations such as this are vital. By partnering with Grampians Health Edenhope, we can connect our clients with additional supports including allied health, personal care, domestic assistance and social support services that will help them remain independent and well in their own homes.
"Rural communities achieve the best outcomes when organisations work together and share resources. This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to our communities.
The agreement is expected to benefit residents across Harrow, Edenhope and nearby communities throughout the West Wimmera region.
In addition to delivering services, Grampians Health Edenhope and Harrow Bush Nursing Centre will work together to provide community information and education about the support available through the partnership, ensuring residents are aware of the services they can access locally.
Ms Obagbemi said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare accessibility and improving health outcomes in rural communities.
"This is a significant benefit for the community. By combining our strengths, we can ensure more people have access to the services they need, when they need them, close to home."
