Minister’s response gives a glimmer of hope
Lobbying by the West Gippsland Healthcare Group board to state health ministers has finally been acknowledged, but board chair Christine Holland admits the minister’s response provided only a glimmer of hope.
A government spokesperson also told The Gazette the government would “continue to work with WGHG to identify further opportunities.”
The board has submitted five letters, by email, to Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas since she was appointed in June.
Last Wednesday, Ms Holland received a response that she described as “very welcome” and provided “some hope in her recognition of the need for our community.”
Ms Holland said the minister acknowledged the board’s work “in guiding the WGHG in their provision of health services to your growing community.”
She said the minister’s letter indicated future investment for the infrastructure needs at WGHG would be balanced against other priority projects.
“However, as we watch other hospitals with perceived lesser needs receive funding, we still wonder why we are not higher on the priority listing.
“The WGHG board celebrates with these other health services as the entire sector is in need but as we run a hospital with 54 medical and surgical beds for a population of 58,000 and expected to hit 60,000 in 2023 the proportion of beds per population is one of the lowest in the state,” she said.
In questions sent to the Premier’s office, The Gazette asked if the findings of the business case would be released and where a new WGH currently stood within government priorities.
The Gazette also asked could the community, following the recent major commitments to Wonthaggi and Maroondah hospitals, expect further healthcare announcements in West Gippsland area ahead of the election?
A government spokesperson said they would “continue to work with West Gippsland Healthcare Group to identify further opportunities to support system demand and meet community needs.”
The government spent $9.3 million to develop the short stay unit and third operating theatre in 2019.
But in neighbouring Gippsland municipalities, the government has provided $217 million to build the next stage of the Latrobe Regional Hospital expansion; $115 million for first stage expansion of the Wonthaggi Hospital - and this month announced a further $290 million for the second stage works, if re-elected.
The government gave no indication of any future financial commitments to WGHG.
“We have a strong record buildings and upgrading hospitals with more than $12 billion invested since 2014 - including more than $800 million for hospital upgrades and expansions right across regional Victoria in the recent budget.
“You can’t trust the Liberals with our hospitals - in Gippsland or anywhere in Victoria. When they were last in government they cut funding to regional hospitals, slashed services and sacked staff - and they’ll do it again if given the chance.
While the ALP has not named a candidate for Narracan in the November state election, an elected Liberal government has promised to build a $600 million new hospital. It is a move the government labelled a “half baked plan... with no costings, no timeframe and no details.”
Ms Holland said clinical staff were working under outdated and challenging conditions. “I have nothing but praise for them from a community that clearly understands their difficulties.”
“Our maintenance staff continually need to deal with the unexpected that interferes with their planned works program. They play a pivotal role in maintaining an old hospital in support of the excellent work undertaken by clinical staff. “The administration area work in crammed conditions that are very unsuitable in contemporary practices. “However, their output remains exemplary.
“The board consistently congratulate all staff at WGHG for their commitment, dedication and maintaining high standards. Importantly our staff and our community deserve better and waiting for certainty from all decision makers at Parliament House is an anxious time,” Ms Holland said.