The Grenfell Multipurpose Service (MPS) has received a generous bequest from the estate of the late Kathleen Helen Bandy.
The late Mrs Bandy was a former resident of the MPS and wanted to ensure the good work of the service continued in the local community.
The bequest of around $3.3 million has been paid to the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) with the directions of the late Mrs Bandy being that that it be used "for the general benefit of the Grenfell Multipurpose Health Service" and that the Local Health District "take guidance from the Weddin Health Council when distributing funds from the bequest".
Chair of the Weddin Health Council, Peter Moffitt, and WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal met in Grenfell to acknowledge the bequest and express their gratitude.
Mr Spittal said that early discussions indicated that some of the bequest will be used to create accommodation for healthcare workers in their initial stages of moving to Grenfell, or who were providing services temporarily.
"Key healthcare worker accommodation has been a very influential strategy in encouraging and supporting people working in rural locations. This bequest will help us apply that strategy here in Grenfell. That can have a very important and positive impact into the long-term," Mr Spittal said.
"While the redevelopment of the Grenfell MPS is not currently identified for funding, when that opportunity becomes available, this bequest will also be able to be incorporated into that project.
"We're extremely grateful and want to acknowledge Mrs Bandy's generosity and kindness. All our communities provide support for their local services and to have something this substantial is a great benefit for Grenfell."
Mr Moffitt also acknowledged the advantage for the MPS in receiving the bequest.
"Grenfell MPS has a Clinical Services Plan which identified the need for more aged care beds, and the Health Council has advocated on behalf of the community to see a full redevelopment," Mr Moffitt said.
"Having the CSP prepared, and having this bequest at hand could both put Grenfell at an advantage when there is an opportunity for redevelopment.
"We all know that modern hospital facilities and aged care accommodation is an essential element for a local rural community such as the Weddin Shire, and the Health Council will continue to work with the LHD to ensure that Mrs Bandy's wishes to keep strengthening our MPS are honoured."
