Sandringham and surrounding communities will get the healthcare they deserve under a new commitment announced today as part of the Victorian Liberals and Nationals’ plan to fix the healthcare crisis.
For almost 60 years, Sandringham Hospital has supported local residents and growing families by delivering outstanding health services including emergency care, maternity and general surgery.
However, in recent times the Andrews Labor Government have threatened to cut the 24/7 emergency department to just twelve hours a day and have overseen a cut of 8 short stay post-operative beds along with a hospital ward closure and the displacement of five full time nursing staff.
Furthermore, the General Surgical Unit has been disbanded, likely resulting in the loss of 7 locally based and highly skilled general surgeons.
It’s clear that Sandringham Hospital and the community it serves need certainty about the hospital’s future, so that it can remain a locally focussed and vibrant health service for this generation and the next.
Therefore, a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will deliver a $25 million upgrade of the Sandringham Hospital, including:
- The commencement of Sandringham Hospital modernisation works, to refresh the run down and tired wards and facilities, bringing the hospital’s facilities into the 21st century and making it accessible for all.
- The total refurbishment of the Sandringham Hospital Maternity Ward. With 1,566 births at Sandringham Hospital just last year, the Maternity Ward is well used by local mums and families.
- Establishment of a Sandringham Hospital Community Reference Group, bringing together local health professionals, hospital fundraisers and community members, who will undertake the important work of drafting the very first Sandringham Hospital Community Charter.
This plan will also guarantee that the Sandringham Hospital Emergency Department will remain open 24/7, 365 days a year and will work with Alfred Health to re-establish a locally based General Surgical Unit with locally based leadership.
Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy, said securing the future of Sandringham Hospital was a key part of the Liberals and Nationals plan to fix Victoria’s healthcare crisis.
“Cutting and closing local hospitals is not the way to recover, rebuild and move forward with confidence,” Mr Guy said.
“This commitment is an important part of our plan to fix Victoria’s healthcare crisis and will help give Sandringham the local health services they deserve.”
Member for Sandringham, Brad Rowswell, said this vital upgrade would mean better healthcare, closer to home for Sandringham and surrounding communities.
“I was born at Sandy Hospital 36 years ago and the place hasn’t changed much since then. Our plan will support critical health services, upgrade facilities for the future and bring the local community together to ensure the Sandringham Hospital can service the next generation of local residents.” Mr Rowswell said.
Only a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will rebuild community hospitals, halve surgery waitlists, fix triple-zero and end Victoria’s healthcare crisis.
