Wimmera Nursing Home’s major refurbishment project will be undertaken as a staged project.
Director of Clinical Services Don McRae said while plans have been drawn up for the overall refurbishment, the work would be completed in stages over ensuing years subject to funding.
He said stage one will include a new entrance and office space, a large communal dining area which backs onto the garden, new kitchen and the conversion of several current shared rooms into single ensuite rooms with access to the garden. A two bedroom ensuite room will also be constructed especially for couples.
“Stage one of the project will cost approximately $2 million,” Mr McRae said.
“That funding is made up of a generous bequest, $450,000 in State Government funding and funds held by the hospital.”
Mr McRae said the rest of the refurbishment work will take place over seven more stages valued at approximately $900,000 each. Breaking the refurbishment into stages will mean less disruption to residents.
“Tenders will be offered this month and we are hoping work will start in July and we aim to have stage one completed by the end of the year,” he said.
“The overall refurbishment will include a combination of single, double and some larger rooms for special needs residents, all with ensuites, will provide five star accommodation.
“The refurbishment will see us provides a state of the art facility in a caring environment with direct access to 24 hour medical support, acute care and the best of diagnostic and allied health support staff.”