Hamilton and Western District locals will receive better care, closer to home, under a new commitment by the Liberals and Nationals to build a new emergency department and refurbished intensive care unit at Hamilton Base Hospital.
A Victorian Liberal and Nationals government would commit $45 million to the works at Hamilton Base Hospital, delivering the redevelopment the Western District Health Service and the local community have been demanding for years.
The Liberals and Nationals support the view of Western District Health Service that the current Hamilton Base Hospital ICU and emergency department are not fit for purpose and require urgent investment to continue delivering a satisfactory standard of care to residents.
The commitment was announced today as part of the Liberals and Nationals’ Fresh Start regional tour.
Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy said the upgrade was long overdue.
“This announcement is great news for Hamilton and the wider Western District community, who have waited far too long for the Allan Labor Government to act.
“Western District Health Service has done everything asked of it. Feasibility studies, funding questionnaires, an exhaustive hospital master plan, and even $4 million of its own money was spent on an interim upgrade, and still the Allan Labor government refused to commit.
“It is a blight on this Labor government that our emergency department has been left in the same state it was in almost two decades ago, with staff working in cramped, insecure conditions separated only by curtains.
“Regional Victorians are sick of being an afterthought under Labor. The Liberals and Nationals will guarantee regional Victoria gets its fair share, with 25 per cent of all infrastructure spending to be allocated to the regions up from the current level of 12 per cent so communities like Hamilton get the health infrastructure they deserve rather than fight for scraps once Melbourne and Labor’s corrupt acquaintances are looked after.
“This is a firm commitment from a team that will actually deliver for Western District Health Service and the people who rely on it.”
Speaking on day 23 of the Liberals and Nationals Fresh Start tour of Victoria, Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson said the upgrade would help bring the hospital up to the standard that Hamilton and Western Districts locals deserve.
“Ensuring all Victorians have access to timely and quality healthcare is a top priority for a Liberals and Nationals government,” Ms Wilson said.
“This $45 million commitment will give Western District Health Service the modern intensive care unit and emergency department this community has been calling for and will support Hamilton Base Hospital’s healthcare workforce to continue their outstanding work.”
Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier said the investment was long overdue.
“Hamilton Base Hospital is a critical healthcare provider for this region, but under Labor, investment has not kept pace with demand.
“Only a Liberal and Nationals Government will deliver a new intensive care unit and emergency department at Hamilton Base Hospital and ensure locals can access the quality emergency care they deserve.”
