News

Major upgrade for Swan Hill MDAS building

Sun, 02 Apr 2017 19:00:00

Improved access and more consulting room are among the key benefits to be delivered by a major upgrade to the Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) premises in Swan Hill.

The half-million-dollar revamp of the Nyah Road facility will include constructing a new entrance and reception area; installing canopy walkways to link to existing areas of the health service; renovations to consulting rooms; relocation of the playground; and repairs to roofing and guttering.
“This upgrade will help improve access for our community members and create more opportunities for integrated care,” MDAS Primary Health Services Manager Jody Croft said.
“Having additional clinical consulting space will help us meet the growing demand for health services, while other works will also make it easier and quicker for staff to move around the building.”
The upgrade has been funded through the Australian Government’s Department of Health Indigenous Australian’s Health Program and aligns with the National Indigenous Health Plan.
Ms Croft said the new entrance, reception and waiting area will bring all MDAS clients to a single entry point.
“Once you come into the new reception area, access for clinical appointments will be straight ahead and entry for other health appointments will be to the left through a short canopy walkway,” she said.
“This arrangement will be a big improvement and simplification for community accessing our services, because currently entry for other MDAS services is located on the far side of the property.”
In addition to the structural works, the existing playground will be relocated to improve access and visibility.
“We are excited about the upgrade because it will allow us manage the growth and continue to deliver the really important health services in our community,” Ms Croft
The upgrade is expected to begin by the middle of the year. Access to services will continue throughout the two to three-month construction phase, but there may be some minimal disruptions during this process.