They were established in local communities that raised sufficient funds and resources to attract and employ a nurse. Community fundraising paid for the nurses and capital infrastructure.
Bush nursing centres and hospitals were managed by local committees elected by contributing members.
Since its formation bush nursing has experienced the challenge of adapting to government policies and procedures to centralise the control of health services.
In 1983 bush nursing hospitals accounted for one third of the state’s acute hospitals.
In the 1990’s Community Health Centres began their decline and they were absorbed within hospitals and health networks. Governments were less interested in a community alternative to mainstream health care and, instead, now facilitated the absorption of community health within the mainstream.
In 2002 the 13 Bush Nursing Centres in Victoria employed 55 nurses and provided primary health assessment and treatment, home nursing and personal care, social support and meals to 4200 people.
In 2002 the Victorian Department of Human Services Bush Nursing Centres Project Final Report concluded that ‘Bush Nursing Centres provide responsive and flexible services close to home, are an important referral point for people needing services away from home, are highly valued institutions in small rural communities contributing significantly to both people’s sense of security and the economy and are cost effective and financially viable.’