BALLAN GP Superclinic’s $3.3 million expansion is nearly finished.
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The addition – which includes consulting and treatment rooms, gymnasium rehabilitation facilities, a hydrotherapy pool, a pathology service, educational facilities, community meeting rooms and space for extra staff – is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Ballarat MP and opposition health spokeswoman Catherine King and Ballan District Health Care’s new chief executive officer, Wayne Weaire, toured the building on Tuesday.
Ms King said the Ballan facility was the first of Australia’s 34 GP superclinics to open, with other Victorian centres located at Bendigo, Wallan, Berwick and Geelong.
The $1.4 million, 17 consulting-room facility was opened by then health minister Nicola Roxon in October 2009.
“For almost 50 years, this health service has been a local icon – a true community asset,” Ms King said.
“Along with Labor’s initial funding of $1.4 million, there was an extraordinary local fundraising effort by the community to raise an additional $900,000.
“More than 130 staff and over 50 volunteers currently support a range of vital general and specialist medical services, allied health and dental services.
“This investment from the former federal Labor government will ensure that the Ballan community can access the important health services they need closer to home.”
The extension is being built by Ballarat’s Page Constructions.
fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au