Introduction

Introduction

East Gippsland is a diverse geographical area, bordered to the north-east by rugged high country, and to the south by the famous 90 mile beach and lakes and river system.

With an approximate population of 40,000 people, the area is predominantly rural, featuring cattle and sheep farming, and commercial vegetable growing and processing. Fishing, forestry and tourism are the other major industries.

Gippsland Lakes Community Health (GLCH) is a high profile health service provider in East Gippsland that is noted for its extensive range of health and community services, its ability to relate to and provide services to the most disadvantaged communities, and its championing of the social model of health.

GLCH’s service sites are in Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale, Bruthen and Metung.  It provides outreach services throughout East Gippsland through its network of partnerships, extensive travel and use of information technology.  Its partnerships with Aboriginal controlled organisations are particularly strong.   It provides management, administration and outreach health services to a number of Aboriginal and remote rural organisations in a way that builds capacity and empowers their Boards and communities.

Services are divided into six units with a strong multi-disciplinary approach. The Units are:

• Aged Care Services
• Clinical and Nursing Services
• Community Health Services
• Corporate Services
• Family Youth and Children’s Services
• Health Promotion and Koori Health Services

GLCH values and promotes excellence of service and prides itself on delivering coordinated and accessible health services and health promotion programs.   There is a focus on the health of populations as well as the health of individuals.

GLCH has an annual budget of $16 million, 300 staff and 500 volunteers who deliver a range of family, children and youth services, home care, allied health, nursing, medical and counselling services. 

GLCH takes a lead role in workforce development to address chronic shortages of health professionals in remote rural areas.  It adopts innovative ways to redefine work to attract, retain and maximise benefits for its staff.

It takes a lead role in reconciliation with Aboriginal communities, in social and service planning initiatives with local government and the primary care partnership, and in service developments including chronic care, early year’s development and integrated health promotion.

GLCH maintains its reputation for keeping true to the values of community health whilst positioning itself to attract additional health services.