The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Aboriginal communities in Melbourne’s northern suburbs have access to health, dental and other support services they need and deserve, closer to home.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today toured the new First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing Clinic (FPHW) in Thomastown which includes expanded services and facilities thanks to more than $763,000 funding through the Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF).

This investment is a demonstration of the Labor Government’s commitment to self-determination because we know you get better outcomes when Aboriginal healthcare is delivered by Aboriginal organisations.

The old clinic was at full capacity and funding through the first round of the Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF) enabled FPHW to move from their smaller and outdated facility to a new site on Settlement Rd, Thomastown.

The bigger and better health and wellbeing clinic features more consulting and meeting rooms, telehealth facilities, new lighting and audio systems and upgraded amenities.

This new site has enabled FPHW to increase service delivery capacity to clients by more than 30 percent, including a doubling of primary health appointments as well as allowing the provision of additional support services (social and emotional wellbeing, suicide prevention etc).

MHIF provides funding for construction, remodelling and refurbishment projects, equipment, information and communication technology and other vital upgrade works to expand capacity, improve patient amenity, while enhancing safety and infection prevention and control measures.

MHIF has funded a total of 72 projects across metropolitan Melbourne to date, representing a $265 million investment from the Victorian Government.

The Fund supports metropolitan health services to meet service demand, while also helping patients in a better facility.

Funding also enables health services and agencies to use new technologies and deliver contemporary models of care, improving the quality and safety of care for patients and staff.