The GRPHU is led by Latrobe Regional Hospital and is responsible for managing and responding to public health issues in Gippsland including West Gippsland, South Gippsland, Latrobe Valley, Central Gippsland and East Gippsland – with a combined population of more than 271,000 people. The current focus includes end-to-end COVID-19 follow-up and support, as well as outbreak management with the aim of building strong relationships with community partners, general practitioners and other hospital-based services. GRPHU links closely with the Department of Health to provide a state-wide system of public health delivery and oversight. Its focus is to: • Strengthen the public health response to COVID-19 • Be closer to, and more engaged with, our local communities • Provide more efficient care and public health functions