General News
10 December, 2024
Proud centre leader receives life membership
LEADERSHIP of Dingee Bush Nursing Centre’s board for a decade has seen Geoff Thomas honoured with life membership. A surprised Mr Thomas was presented with a special certificate at Sunday’s annual general meeting. “I first joined the board...
LEADERSHIP of Dingee Bush Nursing Centre’s board for a decade has seen Geoff Thomas honoured with life membership.
A surprised Mr Thomas was presented with a special certificate at Sunday’s annual general meeting.
“I first joined the board almost 12 years ago and have been president for 11,” he said.
Mr Thomas started as vice-president “and four meetings later found myself as president.
“It was a very steep learning curve but it has been a very challenging and rewarding experience.
“To be able to see how the centre has grown and the roll it now plays in community health is a tribute to the wonderful and dedicated staff and board and I am honoured to be part of it.”
In his annual report, Mr Thomas said the centre remained a keystone for the community and there was a steady increase in usage and patient treatment numbers.
“Despite the challenge of operating within a state budget which has seen severe cuts to all sectors of the health system our centre remains in a relatively strong financial position, having recorded a surplus for the current financial year,” he said.
A regional health infrastructure funds grant had funded the purchase of a new vehicle.
Centre managers Kylie Smith and Heather Gale said the consumer engagement committee continued to strengthen the board by providing community input. “New members have been welcomed to increase community involvement and provide new ideas and insights for the future,” they said.
Remote area nurse training had been completed in May and June and Ambulance Victoria had provided training for emergency scenarios.
During 2023-2024 the centre handled 1921 in-centre contacts and 415 out of centre.
Wound care and pathology were the two highest uses of the centre by clients.