Federal Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum, and Minister for Regional Health, Dr David Gillespie, have praised Goulburn Valley Health for its role in containing Shepparton’s recent COVID-19 outbreak.
“I want to specifically mention chief executive Matt Sharp and his staff for the role they played in getting the outbreak under control,” Dr Gillespie said during a visit to GV Health today.
“I also want to recognise the hard work of your teams, especially those receptionists, nurses and practice support staff who have really been on the frontline in their efforts to help get the community vaccinated – everyone stepped up to the plate.
“The Federal Coalition Government also recognises the important role that state and territory hubs are playing to keep local communities safe and healthy, especially now as they set up to help vaccinate people in their community.”
Mr Drum said GV Health provided significant local leadership during the September outbreak. In partnership with a range of community service organisations, it ensured that the community could access basics such as food, medication and COVID vaccinations.
“Matt and his team did an incredible job during what was one of the most difficult periods in recent memory in the Goulburn Valley,” Mr Drum said.
“As the local member, I was very proud of the work and care from the highly skilled staff at GV Health during what were very trying times for the entire community.”
The strong relationship between GV Health and Murray Primary Health Network (PHN) enabled a collaborative approach where each organisation could focus on its strengths.
Murray PHN supported primary care with outbreak support (including infection protection and control advice and personal protective equipment), information and advice to continue vaccinations, support to private residential aged care facilities and staff vaccination along with significant outbreak and infection prevention and control support to the local Aboriginal Health Service, Rumbalara.
GV Health led the local response through its Public Health Unit, provided enormous testing capacity at short notice and developed and implemented a COVID positive pathway, including home monitoring, in Shepparton and surrounding areas.
Alongside the outbreak response, GV Health maintained a high-volume vaccination hub at the McIntosh Centre at the Shepparton Showgrounds.
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