Bidding war over Wonthaggi Hospital expansion

THE Liberals and Nationals Government have ramped up the pressure after announcing they would invest $300 million to complete the second and third stages of the Wonthaggi Hospital Expansion. 

This follows from the Labor Government’s announcement in mid-September to fund $250-290 million for the completion of the next stages. 

The funding commitment was made last week with Liberal Candidate for Bass, Aaron Brown, Nationals Candidate for Bass, Brett Tessari, Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath, and Bass Coast Health Board Chair Don Paproth, and Shadow Minister for Health (and former nurse/midwife) Georgie Crozier in attendance. 

“We are stoked,” Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child smiled.

“It’s a gamechanger for the community and assures staff of a good contemporary work environment. It’s amazing!”

The Shadow Minister also announced their funding would deliver a specialised onsite accommodation for healthcare workers and new helipad, so that patients requiring critical care can be flown both to Wonthaggi and on to Melbourne if they require urgent treatment.

“This build is going to provide so many services that are desperately need for this community, and it is a true credit to the work of the local board and management of the hospital…” Ms Crozier said.

At least 750 jobs will be created through the development of the project.

The announcement forms part of the Liberals and Nationals Government plan to fix the health crisis in Victoria, which includes new and upgraded hospitals right across the state.

The redevelopment of Wonthaggi Hospital includes new wards and extra beds, a new labour and delivery complex, a new outpatient clinic including dialysis, chemotherapy and specialist services, an improved medical imaging unit, upgraded spaces for allied health treatment, upgraded administration and training areas, additional car parks for staff, patients and visitors; and a new Learning and Development Precinct, incorporating a Clinical Lab.

“Our plan will support our local healthcare workers, and importantly deliver a helipad for extreme cases when lives are on the line,” Liberal Candidate for Bass, Aaron Brown said.

The Nationals Candidate for Bass, Brett Tessari, said the commitment means better care closer to home.

“Like so many regional areas, the Wonthaggi Hospital serves a large area, and this significant commitment will deliver a world-class health service in the Bass electorate,” Mr Tessari said. 

“With new facilities and staff to support the health service, it means better health outcomes for people in our region.”

Furthermore, the Liberal and Nationals Government are promising to deliver the state-of-the-art community hospital on Phillip Island, which they claim has sat idle for four years under the current government. 

“Community hospitals play a vital role in taking pressure of the larger health services in the area, and it’s important we deliver it urgently,” Mr Brown said.