By JESSE GRAHAM
HEALESVILLE residents are being urged to assess the future of hospital services in town, with the Save Healesville Hospital Action Group (SHHAG) set to present its business case report.
On Thursday 10 December, SHHAG will host a meeting at Healesville’s Memo Hall to discuss the outcome of its business case study on the Healesville Hospital.
Undertaken by consultants, the case study was funded by about $90,000 in community donations and an election pledge from Casey MP Tony Smith.
SHHAG member Jane Judd said the result was being named the “Options Paper”, and outlined hospital services needed by those in Healesville and its surrounds.
“What they’ve identified is where the community is currently going to get services and the services that currently could be provided up here – which is really in line with the government policy of having the right care in the right place at the right time,” Ms Judd said.
“Our whole quest has been about making sure that the service profile at the hospital reflects all of the age groups at our hospital – that’s been our intent all along.
“What we will be presenting to the community is – the service profile we’re being offered is this, this is what you’re currently needing and this is how it could work.”
Works on the hospital started on 28 September, and are expected to run for 14-18 months.
Eastern Health’s Yarra Ranges chief of clinical and site operations Lisa Lynch said the organisation was “not in a position” to comment, as it had not seen the results of the business case.
“This is despite our offers earlier in the process to work with the Save Healesville Hospital Action Group and the consultant engaged by the group,” Ms Lynch said.
“We are confident that the redeveloped hospital and community health centre will deliver a range of services that meets the needs of the Healesville and Yarra Ranges communities, including a new renal dialysis unit, a new operating theatre, paediatric gym and paediatric consulting rooms.”
Ms Judd said SHHAG was expected to meet with Health Minister Jill Hennessey on Monday 30 November to discuss the business case.
The meeting will be held from 7pm on Thursday 10 December, at Healesville’s Memo Hall.
