Epworth on mark in public remedy

“Labor and (Bellarine MP) Lisa Neville in particular were strongly opposed to this arrangement while in Opposition, but we’re not hearing a word of protest now.” MP ANDREW KATOS

ALMOST 6000 public to private treatments have occurred at Epworth over the past 12 months, as the Waurn Ponds hospital marks its first anniversary.

Nearly 2500 dialysis treatments, 1159 chemotherapy treatments and 2328 surgical procedures on public patients have taken place at the private hospital between its June 2016 opening and the end of last month.

It is unclear how many patients were treated during the 12-month period as the figures relate to the number of instances of care, with most patients receiving multiple cases of chemotherapy or surgical procedures.

Barwon Health spokeswoman Kate Bibby said the public-private arrangement enabled increased access and reduced waiting times for treatment.

“We refer public patients suitable for treatment at Epworth across chemotherapy, renal dialysis and some surgical specialities,” Ms Bibby said.

“Not all public patients are suitable for treatment at Epworth and patients have a right to choose whether they wish to be treated at Epworth.

“Barwon Health’s partnership with Epworth enables increased access and reduced waiting times for treatment, catering to the Geelong region’s growing population.”

Epworth Geelong chief executive Damian Armour said the arrangement made sense, given increased demand for public healthcare.

The Baillieu Government pledged to build an $85 million, 32-bed community hospital next to Deakin University in the suburb of Waurn Ponds before the 2010 state election.

But former health minister David Davis presided over a $50 million, 10-year contract between Epworth and Barwon Health in 2014, allowing for same-day public health services.

The deal was labelled by the then Daniel Andrews’ Opposition as a backflip, but it’s now Health Minister Jill Hennessy last week declined to comment on that arrangement.

South Barwon MP Andrew Katos said the figures highlighted the benefits of the public-private partnership and claimed Ms Hennessy was embarrassed by its success.

“Labor and (Bellarine MP) Lisa Neville in particular were strongly opposed to this arrangement while in Opposition, but we’re not hearing a word of protest now,” the Liberal said.

“That’s because the numbers speak for themselves. It’s taking pressure off Barwon Health, it’s freed up more money for investment in the public health sector.”