Locals shape hospital vision

By Alex Dalziel

The state government has established a community consultative committee to guide the development of the proposed new Fishermans Bend Community Hospital.

The committee will consist of 13 members and will be chaired by the local member for the Southern Metropolitan region Nina Taylor.

“We are getting on with building the Fisherman’s Bend Community Hospital because locals should be able to easily access the care they need, close to home, when they need it,” Ms Taylor said.

Members of the committee include: Ms Juliet Cooper, Ms Simone Cresp, Mr Dan Ferguson, Mr Spiros Fourlanos, Mr Paul Grant, Ms Debra Holland, Ms Sheryl Maher, Ms Esther Margalit, Mr Schlomo Nathanson, Ms June Sorbi, Ms Jennifer Stone, Mr Ruth Taylor and Ms Gillian Wood.

Professor Andrew Way from Alfred Health and Damien Ferrie from Star Health are also advisors on the committee.

It is hoped that the committee will assist the state government tailor the hospital to the needs of the local community.

“It is critical these hospitals are shaped by their communities. We understand how important it is that locals get a real say on what health services they need and that is exactly what this advisory group will do,” Ms Taylor said.

The community hospital will offer services such as day surgery, renal dialysis, specialist appointments, allied health including physiotherapy and speech pathology, after-hours health care with access to pathology and imaging, women’s and children’s health and chronic disease management.

Services may also include community mental health, alcohol and drug services and public dental, as well as counselling and treatment services, respite and recovery services.

The hospital is part of a $675 million election promise by the Andrews Labor government to build or upgrade 10 community hospitals across the state.

Alfred Health will manage the Fishermans Bend Community Hospital, with other potential partners including the City of Port Phillip, South East Melbourne Primary Health Network, and other NGOs.

While a site is yet to be announced for the hospital, Southbank Local News understands that the preferred location is within the Wirraway Precinct.

Construction is expected to begin in 2022 and completed by 2024.