Relief all around from Feds health injection

THE Emergency Department at Casey Hospital will stay open during the evenings thanks to a $107 million funding announcement by the Federal Government
Rumours have plagued the hospital staff that the Emergency Department would be closing its doors during the evenings, which could push patients to other hospitals, put added strain on ambulance services and force night shift workers to switch locations or resign.
Last night (Wednesday), the Federal Labor Government prevented the closure in dramatic fashion – allocating the $107 million directly to hospital networks and bypassing the State Government.
Federal Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek visited the Casey Hospital after the announcement and said the Casey Hospital no longer had to close the Emergency Department at night, which was great for patients and staff.
“It’s a very exciting day for the Victorian Health System,” she said.
“I can’t imagine how stressful the past months were. (Staff) are passionate about the people who come in through the front doors. We were so concerned about the potential of closing the Emergency Department to we took the unusual step of redirecting funds to administration of hospitals rather than the Victorian Government. “
Southern Health emergency medical Professor George Braitberg said the staff were relieved when they learned of the news.
“It’s excellent news and it was smiles all around,” he said.
“All I can say is thank you.”
Last week, Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley, Shadow Minister for Health Gavin Jennings and South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Lee Tarlamis met at Casey Hospital to express their concerns about the possible closure and place blame on the Liberal State Government.
Premier Ted Baillieu said he welcomed the news but said the funding was re-instated from previous Federal Government financial cuts.
“The Victorian Coalition Government welcomes confirmation by the Prime Minister that $107 million in unjustified federal government cuts to Victoria’s health system this financial year have been abandoned, and that those funds will be re-instated and paid to local hospital networks,” Mr Baillieu said.
“However, the Prime Minister’s announcement only applies until 30 June and leaves in place a further $368 million in cuts over three years, which will again impact significantly on Victoria’s hospitals and patients from 1 July this year.”