Hopes have increased for an upgrade to the Maffra Hospital after a visit last week by the Health Minister at the request of State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.

“As many will know, the Coalition made a pre-election commitment to fund the master planning process and when it did not receive bipartisan support, I have requested twice this year for the Minister to visit,” said Mr Bull.

“It is disappointing it has taken seven months since the invite, but positive in the regard the Minister now understands the need for this upgrade to be done.

“I have no doubt that now the Minister has seen it first hand, she will come to the party.

“I understand the discussions were fruitful and although the Minister never made any commitments, I would certainly hope there will be some positive news in the not too distant future.

"The hospital serves a catchment population of around 8,800 people and is 63 years old. The staff do a great job, but the facility needs an upgrade.

"Some areas of the building are still in their original condition and although a minor upgrade occurred in 2010 in the McDonald Wing, it is clear more needs to be done.

“The first step in this is having a master plan developed. That is what we committed to and I would hope that the Minister will see fit to make an announcement before Christmas that this can go ahead,” said Mr Bull.