Andrews’ hospital promise

KIDS and families would get their own dedicated area in Geelong hospital emergency department under a re-elected Andrews Government.

The election commitment would see Geelong get a share in $62.4 million — along with Maroondah, Frankston, Casey and the Northern hospitals — to reconfigure or expand the existing ED so parents and children have their own space and staff when needed most.

Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said the project would allow young ones to be treated in a more welcoming, family friendly, less clinical environment.

“Going to hospital can be an upsetting experience for kids, so having a dedicated space and staff will mean their time is hopefully that little bit less difficult,” she said.

In May, Premier Daniel Andrews announced Geelong hospital ED would be extended to include a crisis hub for erratic and uncontrollable patients.

The hub will be housed in an existing internal void neighbouring the current ED and include separate 24-hour, shortstay units, to help ensure people who present with urgent mental health, alcohol and drug issues can be fasttracked to immediate specialist care.

Construction of the hub is scheduled to start in June and is expected to be completed by 2023.

The Andrews Government is currently building the $33 million Barwon Health North hub — a one-stop shop for families in the northern suburbs — and has invested $10 million to investigate options for transforming the former Geelong Private Hospital into a Women’s and Children’s Hospital.