OUR PAINFUL WAIT FORR HEALTH HUB

August 2013 — The Addy calls for a new hospital to be built in Geelong’s northern suburbs.

September 2013 — The Federal Government pledges $1 million to develop a masterplan for a new hospital on Norlane’s Waterworld site.

May 2014 — Victorian Premier Denis Napthine announces $28 million to build Barwon Health North — described in budget papers as a “health facility” delivering a “range of community based ambulatory care services catering for growing demand in the region”.

October O 2014 — State Government commits additional $5 million to Barwon Health North. June 2015 — Health Department indicates BHN will provide urgent care services between 8am-10pm, along with pathology, pharmacy, dialysis and GP services. June 2015 — Geelong Council endorses masterplan for the renewal of the Waterworld site and agrees to start the process for leasing the land to Barwon Health for BHN. July 2016 — Urgent Care Centre deemed inappropriate based on demand and financial modelling in independent review of Urgent Care business model.

June 2017 — State Government says complex site negotiations had impacted the delivery timeframes. Barwon Health confirms works to start on the facility in the last quarter of 2017, once transfer of land was finalised. December 2017 — Initial works start on the site. State Government does not confirm whether the services promised to the northern suburbs health hub three years ago would still be included.