By JESSE GRAHAM
RESIDENTS are expected to pack into Healesville’s Memo Hall tonight, to discuss the future of the Healesville and District Hospital.
From 7pm on Thursday 10 December, the Save Healesville Hospital Action Group will host a meeting at the Memo to present its business case study on the hospital and the services offered there.
SHHAG chair Fiona McAllister said she was hoping that “hundreds” of residents would come to the meeting, to put forth a variety of ideas.
“It’s very important that we get a large representation, and that we get a really good mix of ages and health issues and perspectives,” she said.
The business case came after community fund-raising in the Yarra Valley, with a pre-election commitment from Casey MP Tony Smith and an event at White Rabbit contributing towards the $90,000 cost.
The result, according to SHHAG member Jane Judd, is a document that outlines services that could be offered out of the hospital, compared to what is currently on offer.
“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,” Ms Judd said.
“It’s certainly showing that large numbers of people are travelling down the line to access services that are low-risk and low-complexity, and could be offered in Healesville,” Ms McAllister said.
She said the group met with Health Minister Jill Hennessy’s advisers on Monday 30 November to discuss the business case, though they met a lukewarm reception.
“We didn’t get a strong indication of support,” Ms McAllister said.
“They were certainly willing to meet with us, we gave them a copy of the business case and talked through the key findings, talked through the fact that we are thrilled to have that level of capital investment at the hospital, (but) the issue has always been and remains the services that are offered out of the hospital.
“We didn’t come away feeling optimistic, that what we were saying was truly heard.”
She said there were no commitments made at the meeting, except to brief Ms Hennessy.
Eastern Health’s Yarra Ranges chief of clinical and site operations Lisa Lynch told the Mail in November the organisation was “not in a position” to comment on the business case, as it had not seen the finished document.
“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.”
The meeting will be held from 7pm on Thursday 10 December, at Healesville’s Memo Hall.
The Mail has contacted the office of Ms Hennessy for comment.
