“I know that we’ll have people through the door from day one seeking help for things that they don’t have to travel to Epping for. They shouldn’t have to go down to the Austin. I’m really looking forward to the difference this will make in the community.”
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The community hospital program, which has blown out by more than $100 million despite the government scrapping of three out of the 10 original sites, has also come under fire for potentially confusing patients who present needing higher levels of care.
But Thomas on Sunday said it was still fair to call the Mernda site a hospital, even though it didn’t have an emergency department.
“Emergency departments are there for when we can treat every life-threatening emergency. This is about delivering everyday care.”
Of the seven community hospitals that remain on the government’s agenda, five – including Mernda – have begun accepting patients.
While major construction has begun on Point Cook Community Hospital in Melbourne’s west, there is no expected opening date listed on the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) website.
The Point Cook facility, to be located near the Stockland shopping centre, was initially meant to open its doors last year.
Similarly, major construction at Pakenham Community Hospital wrapped up this month. However, no opening date is listed on the VHBA website.
The three facilities no longer part of the program include Eltham, Fishermans Bend and Torquay.
Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said the community had waited long enough for the promised hospitals.
“Labor must explain when these promised community hospitals will be fully operational and what services will actually be delivered.”
As previously reported by The Age, health workers and residents in Melbourne’s booming western suburbs are waiting for brand-new, larger hospitals to open to take pressure off existing services.
Thomas on Saturday said the new Melton Hospital remained on track to be delivered by 2029.
“The Melton Hospital is going to be a game changer for people of that community.”
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