By Kath Gannaway
STATISTICS released in the 2006 Census have confirmed what those lobbying for an after hours medical service for Upper Yarra already knew.
The number of people in Upper Yarra who would benefit from the service is far greater than the Healesville population which has had an after hours service for 18 months.
The Census shows more than 21,260 people living in the 3797, 3139 and 3799 area codes which cover Warburton, Yarra Junction and Woori Yallock districts.
More than 10,000 people live in the 3777 Healesville post code area.
Including the 3775 Yarra Glen district and Marysville and Narbethong area brings the total number of people who could reasonably be expected to use the Healesville after hours service to 14,632.
The Mail has been unable to obtain statistics from the Eastern Ranges GP Association on the mix of Upper Yarra/Healesville patients using the Healesville clinic but it is believed the figure is around 25 per cent Upper Yarra and 75 per cent Healesville.
The figures have come as no surprise to Glennice Mathers, chairwoman of Yarra Junction Voice, one of a number of community organisations lobbying for a local service.
“We knew what the numbers were from the surveys we did for the Bendigo Bank. In Yarra Junction itself we were looking at around 5000 people,” she said.
“The need is phenomenal over here.
“No-one wants Healesville (after hours service) to collapse but we desperately need that service here,” Ms Mathers said.
McEwen MP Fran Bailey is expected to make an announcement on the matter shortly.
