The State Government has hit back at suggestions of hospital amalgamations, saying it is focused on patients, not politics – injecting more money into the health system than ever before.
The government says media reporting about health funding – pushed along by the Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier – is categorically false.
State Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas this week responded to comments made by local MP, Tim Bull, who said “Labor continues to hide its secret plan to cut, close and amalgamate health services across the state” including in Gippsland.
Mr Bull indicated an amalgamation all Gippsland hospitals under one chief executive and board would likely to be located in the Latrobe Valley.
Minister Thomas said the State Government’s health care system track record speaks for itself.
“There will be no hospital closures under my watch,” she said.
“While Tim Bull is playing politics, we are getting on and building a better health system which is why our recent Budget delivers better facilities, more healthcare workers and a record additional investment of $8.8 billion for our hospitals to make sure every Victorian gets the best care, no matter where they live.
“We certainly will not be taking the advice from the same political parties who were responsible for closing and privatising regional hospitals in every corner of Victoria, including in Traralgon.”
Minister Thomas said the current structure of Victoria’s health system has been in place for over 20 years, despite massive changes in how healthcare is delivered, and the specific healthcare needs of our communities.
“We have sought the invaluable insights of all of Victoria’s health services to contribute to the optimal design and governance of the public health service system – looking at how public health services can better work together and best utilise resources to deliver the best care for all Victorians closer to home as soon as possible. This work was led by an experienced Independent Expert Advisory Committee,” she said.
“The government will consider the recommendations of the independent committee and Department of Health before making any decisions.”
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 is delivering a new multi-year investment, with an extra $8.8 billion to ensure health services can continue delivering world-class care.
This will mean in the next financial year alone health services will share in an additional investment of $1.5 billion for 2023/24 and more than $1.8 billion in 2024/25.
The State Government says in true Liberal Nationals fashion, the ongoing spread of misinformation and lies about hospital funding has some communities concerned – but these lies could not be further from the truth.
“Unlike the Liberals and Nations who closed 12 country hospitals, we’re focusing on delivering more doctors and nurses, better facilities and the best possible care to all Victorians no matter where they live,” Minister Thomas said.
