Geelong Advertiser

Push for Peninsula 24-hour care

- CAMERON BEST cameron.best @news.com.au

THE push is on for a 24-hour sub-acute care service on the Bellarine Peninsula to keep up with population growth in the region and relieve pressure of existing public services in Geelong.

Local provider Bellarine Community Health has floated the idea for doctors to be stationed around the clock to respond to cases.

‘‘We think that’s in need,’’ Bellarine Community Health chief executive John Fendyk said. ‘‘That’s why we’re trying to be proactive and we need to start preparing for that.’’

The service would offer X-ray, pathology and other minor services but not surgery or top-level emergencie­s, which would be offered at Geelong.

‘‘We’re not going to get an acute hospital but we need to look at what services we need,’’ Mr Fendyk said.

‘‘If you can provide certain services in a local community, people really like that and p r e f e r to be treated locally.’’

Barwon Health chief executive David Ashbridge said the region’s growing and ageing population presented challenges to healthcare providers. ‘‘We are supportive of initiative­s that improve the provision of health services to our community,’’ he said.

Mr Fendyk, who is also a candidate in the City of Greater Geelong council elections for the Beangala Ward, said the proposal was at least a couple of years away, with costing and funding sources yet to be secured.

Bellarine Community Health received funding to upgrade its Point Lonsdale centre and is set to move in over the coming weeks.

 ??  ?? John Fendyk
John Fendyk

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