On Monday the Minister for Mental Health, Assistant Minister for Health and Member for Goulburn Pru Goward officially opened the new facility making this dream a reality. 

Chief Executive of the Southern NSW Local Health District, Dr Max Alexander in his opening speech acknowledged the passing of Dara Madden this year. 

“Dara was instrumental in working with the health service staff and the Yass community in consulting on the HealthOne project; and what the changes would mean to staff of the Hospital and the benefits to the community of HealthOne services being under the one roof,” he said.  

The $1.5 million facility will better coordinate the range of patient care between the Health Service, general practitioners and other health care providers in the Yass area.

Ms Goward spoke about the NSW Government’s investment in the new facility reflecting its commitment to timely and quality health care in rural and regional communities.

“HealthOne provides for greater use of shared and effective care strategies for patients of the Yass Health Service,” Ms Goward said.

”It is a holistic facility, aiming at preventing illness, and reducing the risk and impact of disease and disability, improving chronic disease management, reducing avoidable hospital admissions and unnecessary demand for hospital care and will improve health outcomes for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.

“Health professionals will be able to work more effectively in multidisciplinary teams involved in prevention, early intervention and continuing health care right through to caring for the chronically ill and elderly.”

The refurbishment of Yass District Hospital involved creating purpose-built consulting rooms for community health professionals including dieticians, occupational and speech therapists, child safety and drug and alcohol counsellors, dental and mental health teams.

The patient waiting and triage areas were upgraded and new separate public and entry to the hospital was made easier by separating public and ambulance entries.

Chief Executive of the Southern NSW Local Health District, Dr Max Alexander, opened the proceedings by acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and the Ngunnawal people. 

“I also acknowledge the Elders past and present, and in particular, Tyahn Bell, on behalf of her grandmother Lillian Bell, and others attending today’s event.

Yass High Student Tyahn Bell did the welcome to country in tongue to open the new facility, followed by a performance by students Travis and Jayden who played the didgeridoo. 

Dr Alexander explained how the HealthOne aims to have health professionals work together in multidisciplinary teams to provide prevention, early intervention and continuing, comprehensive primary health care to individuals and communities.

“Clients, their carers and local communities are central to the model. Clients and carers have been involved in decision-making about their care,” he said. 

“The support from the Yass HealthOne Steering Committee, local General Practices, the Ngunnawal Aboriginal Corporation, the Yass Valley Council, the Southern NSW Medicare Local and the broader community indicates appreciation of improved health services,” Dr Alexander said.

The facility has been developed with the flexibility to adapt over time to the changing needs of the Yass Valley community