Health service plans for spike

Arise in demand for support services has prompted a Wimmera health provider to shore-up its ability to help its community as the state continues to persist through COVID-19 lockdowns.

Grampians Community Health has diversified its services, including mental health, drug, alcohol and gambling support, to be available remotely.

Chief executive Greg Little said he anticipated health providers across the region would need to be ready for a possible ‘future spike’ in demand.

He said the service had been fortifying its ability to respond to the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 since January.

“We have successfully lobbied for more agencies, not just Grampians Community Health, to receive funding in anticipation of a reporting spike in the future,” he said.

“Demand for mental-health services, as well as drug, alcohol and gambling support, have peaked since the lockdown started, and I believe self-isolation is obscuring family violence statistics.

“Staff providing support remotely through the pandemic ensured the service could continue to support the Wimmera community, even while some branches were briefly closed in Horsham and Ararat.”

Mr Little said the health service took a proactive approach during the pandemic, introducing a new home isolation support service in the Northern Grampians municipality.

“The service provides a social support network to community members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, whether it is due to health concerns, home schooling a child, or anxiety,” he said.

“It also is a COVID-19 preventative service, giving people and organisations the skills and knowledge to avoid spreading coronavirus as it’s not going away in a hurry.

“The program provides vital social contact and the ability to refer people to the proper channels.”

Mr Little said the health service had modified its drug and drink driver program, giving people remote access to support.

“Previously, it was a mandatory face-toface modified behaviour program,” he said.

“We have now introduced an online learning course, which is endorsed by Vicroads until at least the end of June.”

Mr Little said it was paramount for the health service to continue operations during the pandemic.

“Grampians Community Health only exists to serve the community – we are a notfor-profit organisation that wants to make a difference,” he said.

“We wouldn’t consider closing our doors because there are a lot of people in our community who need our support.

“Grampians Community Health provides services to the Wimmera, as well as the Southern Mallee and Central Highlands regions – we cover an extensive area.

“Through our work in the community, we have provided detailed reports to the Victorian government on the impacts of the pandemic at a local level.”

Mr Little said people could access Grampians Community Health and its services by calling 5358 7400.