General News
5 October, 2024
Minister makes 'secret sell' talks on health reforms
By CHRIS EARL HEALTH Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has hit country roads selling the State Government’s new local network model. The minister’s visits to health services at Inglewood and Boort came just weeks after a key review recommendation to...
By CHRIS EARL
HEALTH Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has hit country roads selling the State Government’s new local network model.
The minister’s visits to health services at Inglewood and Boort came just weeks after a key review recommendation to merge rural hospitals was rejected by the Government.
Ms Thomas’ mid-month tour was only revealed late last week by Western Victoria Region MP Jacinta Ermacora.
According to Ms Ermacora, the minister also visited other Ripon electorate health services in St Arnaud, Maryborough and Ararat.
“Every hospital, though unique, shares a common goal: to provide the best possible care to our community. This is what the new Local Health Service Networks will provide. Each of these hospitals can connect with nearby services to provide more seamless care, while retaining the outstanding local leadership,” said Ms Ermacora.
Local media in the three areas were not told of the visits.
A spokesperson for the minister said on Monday: “Visiting hospitals and meeting with hospital staff is a part of the minister’s role and one she undertakes regularly at health services across the state - these visits include discussing current health matters and meeting key staff.”
The Government review had called for creation of mega health networks with Loddon services part of a region controlled in Bendigo and stretching north to Mildura. Instead, Premier Jacinta Allan announced the injection of an extra $1.5 billion in funding for the state’s hospitals and said hospitals would not be forced into mergers.
Ripon MP Martha Haylett said after the announcement: “We will establish between 11 to 14 local health service networks to strengthen the existing health service partnerships.
“Each network will have a formal relationship with a major tertiary, a women’s and a children’s hospital. This will mean patients can more easily and quickly access specialist care when they need it. It will also strengthen referral pathways and enable the sharing of expertise across specialities.”
The Loddon Herald understands new budgets for health services will be finalised shortly.
Ms Thomas’ visit to Inglewood on September 17 came on the first anniversary of community protests to stop the Government knocking down the former ambulance station. Residents had blockaded the Hospital Street site earlier in September 2023 and again on September 25 when wrecking crews tore down the 1980s building erected with community contributions.
They had wanted the old station retained for either hospital or community use but the Government claimed the building contained asbestos. Within hours of demolition the Government said asbestos was only suspected to be in the building and later Freedom of Information requests revealed assessments had not found asbestos.
“The building (was) demolished because it is no longer fit-for purpose and would limit the functionality of the new Inglewood ambulance station,” the Government said at the time. “Demolishing the old building means we can provide paramedics with new and improved vehicle access, giving them the modern home base they need and deserve to do what they do best – save lives,” the Government said after demolition.