Helen Haines (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In Indi our largest employers are health services. Today I pay tribute to one of these health services, where, I'm proud to say, I worked for 30 years as a midwife, nurse and researcher. This month Northeast Health Wangaratta celebrated their 150-year anniversary. That is 150 years of being with people during life's biggest moments—births, emergencies, surgeries and recoveries—and in life's final moments as well. Northeast Health Wangaratta is a linchpin in our community. The theme of the celebrations is 'building on healthy foundations', and what incredible foundations they are. Established in 1872, Northeast Health Wangaratta started with a 40-bed ward, servicing only 2,400 people, and has since grown to provide critical healthcare services to a catchment of over 90,000 people.

The hospital relies on a large cohort of volunteers, who selflessly give their time each week—from community palliative care to aged care and patient support. At a time when we are experiencing such severe health workforce shortages, they are vital.

I want to acknowledge Libby Fifis, CEO of Northeast Health Wangaratta; the executive team; board chair Alison Maclean; the board members; the doctors; the nurses; the allied health professionals; the midwives; the cleaners; the ward clerks; all the dedicated staff; the volunteers; and the students. I thank you for the work you do. I thank you for your over 150 years of invaluable service to our community.