MITCHELL SHIRE residents with chronic diseases will have easier access to support after a $1 million State Government boost.

Member for Seymour Ben Hardman said the Kilmore and District Hospital and Mitchell Community Health Services will each receive $18,000 in funding to help form local partnerships that integrate care for people with chronic conditions.

“The approach helps GPs and primary care services provide better support to people with chronic conditions,” Mr Hardman said.

“Hospitalisation for chronic conditions is often avoidable, particularly when people and health agencies work together on preventative actions and early intervention. This money will mean our local health services will be able to do even more work to help people with chronic diseases live healthier lifestyles.”

Mr Hardman said health services were successfully working with other services to ensure people with chronic conditions have easy access to local health programs and stay out of hospital.

“Most importantly, this funding will assist in improving the health of people with chronic conditions and reducing avoidable hospital admissions,” Mr Hardman said.