Multi-million dollar pledge for hospital
Premier visits Wonthaggi and announces if re-elected, the government will commit $290 million to stage 2 of hospital redevelopment.
The Premier Daniel Andrews visited Wonthaggi Hospital today and announced if re-elected, the Labor government would fully fund stage 2 of the hospital redevelopment.
The $290 million commitment follows on from the $115 million committed to stage 1 of the project, which is due to open in November this year.
Stage 2 will include two new wards, increasing patient capacity by up to 64 beds, a new labour and delivery complex and new outpatient clinic with around 25 treatment spaces. This will provide space for patients needing dialysis, chemotherapy and specialist appointments.
The Premier said Stage 2 construction would be completed by 2027.
"Bass Coast Health is one of the biggest employers in the district," Mr Andrews said. "This will not only benefit staff and patients, it will mean 750 construction jobs."
He said investment in health care was a point of pride for the government. "We are doing what matters and finishing what we started."
Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child was ecstatic about the unexpected announcement.
"It's the best news ever," she said, adding that local MP Jordan Crugnale had simply said they were dropping by for a quick tour and a cup of tea.
"It was total news to me."
Ms Child said Stage 2 was part of the hospital redevelopment masterplan, but there was more work to be done to get the next stage ready to commence construction.
Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale said she was proud to be able to deliver the first stage of the hospital redevelopment and this latest promise would ensure the local community got the healthcare it deserves.
The Premier said funding for projects like Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment was important so people could receive treatment close to home.
"We don't want people to have to travel away from their homes. We want them to get as much care as possible, as close to home as possible."
If re-elected, Mr Andrews also promised $20 million for new 25 Paramedic Practitioners, who will be able to assess, diagnose and treat patients in the field and in their homes, to ease the pressure on busy hospitals.
Full details in next week's Advertiser.
