Bush Nursing

Victoria’s Bush Nursing services boast a proud history which extends back almost half a century. These vibrant and robust services form a vital part of Victoria’s framework of small rural health services. Twenty-eight Bush Nursing Centres and Hospital organisations in remote and rural Victoria operate as non-profit, community governed services to meet the health needs of community members.

Bush Nursing Centres and Hospitals date back to the pre-WWII era. There have been 156 Bush Nursing organisations since 1911. The 28 current Victorian Bush Nursing Centres and Hospitals generally operate with one to two full time nurses.

Bush Nursing Centres have evolved to reflect the changing needs of their communities. They provide nursing assessment and treatment, emergency response and stabilisation at the centre and out in the community, a range of visiting consultative care services, home nursing and personal care delivery, health promotion initiatives, post acute care and, primary health care across a broad range of social and health issues.