Oliver Brown
18 February 2022, 8:13 PM
EIGHT public hospitals across the Western Plains will receive a share of close to $2 million in federal government funding to improve their aged care services.
The 2021 round of funding - which Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) facilities were invited to apply for last year - has been allocated to minor capital grant projects in 110 aged care sites across the country.
On Wednesday 16 February Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton announced 10 of these were from his electorate, including the MPSs in Baradine, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Nyngan, Trangie and Warren.
“This funding is an opportunity for providers to maintain and reinforce the health, safety and wellbeing of residents – and it offers peace-of-mind for families eager to ensure their loved one receives quality care,” Mr Coulton said.
According to the government, the maximum funding available for each individual MPS site is $600,000, with providers also required to contribute at least 20 per cent of the total project costs.
Across the Western Plains were a wide range of projects and costs nominated, from simple improvements, such as gardens and pathways, to major building renovations.
A spokesperson for the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) said they appreciated the opportunity to expand their services.
"We’re grateful our grant applications were recommended, this funding will provide important support for a number of our Multi-Purpose Services across the district," the spokesperson said.
"At this stage, we are still working through the finer details of the projects this funding will help us complete at all sites, which will include major refurbishment developments at sites like Warren and Nyngan."
The full breakdown of WNSWLHD MPS facilities and their grant allocation for their capital works project is as follows:
According to the WNSWLHD spokesperson, specific project details at each facility will be announced at a later date.