A new community hospital for Cranbourne is a step closer, with local families contributing to the services it will provide.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today announced Member for Cranbourne, Pauline Richards will chair a Cranbourne Community Consultation Committee, which will give the community a say over the future of the hospital.
Monash Health will manage the Cranbourne hospital which will offer services including pathology and imaging, community mental health and alcohol and drug support services.
It will improve access to specialist services like day surgery, community-based palliative care, dialysis, public dental, and paediatric services including speech pathology, psychology and audiology.
Construction is expected to start in 2021 and finish by 2024. The new hospital will be built on a Greenfield site in Cranbourne, in partnership with the local community health services and Monash Health.
A community Consultation Committees will allow carers, patients, families and volunteers to work with health service providers to the hospital meets the particular needs of locals.
It will connect a range of health and human services under one roof.
The Cranbourne Community Consultation Committee will include about 15 representatives from the local community as well as key organisations such as local councils and health services providers.
The State Government is investing $675 million to build or upgrade 10 new community hospitals close to major growth areas in Craigieburn, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Phillip Island, Sunbury, Torquay, the City of Whittlesea, the Eltham area, Point Cook and Fishermans Bend.
Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards said community hospitals will improve access to the “care locals need, when and where they need it.”
“It’s really important that these hospitals are shaped by the communities they serve, because each area is different. We want to make sure Cranbourne locals get a say – this advisory group will do that,” she said.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos the new hospitals would reduce unnecessary travel and wait times at larger hospitals, “while helping people get the care they need in their own community.”
The EOI process to sit on the Committee will open in the coming weeks. For more information visit www.vhhsba.vic.gov.au/health-infrastructure/community-hospitals-program.
