Mernda hospital is finally opening, but two others are still waiting
“I know from day one that people will be looking for help for things they don’t need to go to Epping for. They don’t need to go to Austin. I’m really looking forward to the difference this will make in the community.”
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The public hospital programme, which has wasted more than $100 million despite the government scrapping three of the 10 original facilities, has also come under criticism for potentially confusing patients who need higher levels of care.
But on Sunday Thomas said it was still fair to call the Mernda site a hospital, even though it didn’t have an emergency room.
“Emergency rooms are there for when we can treat any life-threatening emergency. It’s about providing day-to-day care.”
Of the seven public hospitals that remain on the government’s agenda, five, including Mernda, have started to accept patients.
Although major construction has begun on Point Cook Community Hospital in Melbourne’s west, no expected opening date is listed on the Victoria Health Building Authority (VHBA) website.
The Point Cook site, which will be located near Stockland shopping centre, was originally planned to open its doors last year.
Similarly, major construction at Pakenham Community Hospital was completed this month. However, the VHBA website does not list any opening date.
The three sites that are no longer part of the scheme include Eltham, Fishermans Bend and Torquay.
Opposition health spokesman Georgie Crozier said society had been waiting long enough for promised hospitals.
“Labour must explain when these promised community hospitals will be fully operational and what services will actually be provided.”
As previously reported AgeHealthcare workers and residents of Melbourne’s booming western suburbs are waiting for brand new, larger hospitals to open to take pressure off existing services.
Thomas said on Saturday the new Melton Hospital was on track to be delivered by 2029.
“Melton Hospital will be a game changer for the people of this community.”
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