Orbost Regional Health History
Orbost Regional Health (formerly Orbost & District Hospital and Far East Gippsland Health & Support Service) was officially opened in 1930 and has since been providing continuous services to the people of Far East Gippsland.
Services are provided over a vast area, from Nowa Nowa to Mallacoota, and inland as far as the remote areas of Tubbut, Bendoc and Bonang, covering some 1 million square hectares.
In 1994 a number of local health related services agreed to amalgamate with Orbost & District Hospital, forming the Far East Gippsland Health & Support Service, a Multi Purpose Service, providing Acute, Aged Care and Community Health Services. Before amalgamation services to the community were fragmented, isolated and located all over the town.
In 2001 a Strategic Planning process with our community highlighted the need for a new name and Orbost Regional Health was chosen following a community survey.
The number of services since 1994 has increased onsite from 13 to 29 overarching services with some 40+ services included under the umbrella services, including outreach visits to remote areas. The State Government provided funding for renovations and development of new facilities and since then the organisation has self funded the redevelopment of Accident & Emergency, Reception/Administration offices the new kitchen and staff dining room, an Allied Health Centre for Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services, and an onsite Medical Clinic.
We are always aware that community needs drive the services we provide, so regular community consultation and surveys take place. In response to the most requested services, Orbost Regional Health now provides onsite Dental Services, Women's Health Nurse, Youth Worker and Family Violence Services amongst others.
