A MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillor is calling for “stakeholders” to band together in an effort to ensure government guarantees for the upgrade of Rosebud Hospital.
Cr David Gill’s call comes in the wake of Health Ministers Mary‐Anne Thomas’s recent comments about the potential for hospital mergers across Victoria.
Many regional hospitals are believed to be the target of strict government cost cutting measures, but smaller hospitals such as Rosebud could also be at risk of being targeted. Thomas has told Victorian health boards that no more money will be provided to health services other than what was allocated in the May budget.
Gill moved a motion at council meeting (19 June) calling for a stakeholders’ coalition to “protect and enhance the future of the Rosebud Hospital from government cutbacks or closure” He has previously said that the distance to Frankston Hospital for southern peninsula residents is the main reason to keep Rosebud Hospital open as a well-resourced health service and not just a triage service facility.
The council has also called on the state government to invest in Rosebud Hospital to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes and extend the Frankston Medical Research and Education precinct to Rosebud. The moves would provide local jobs and specialist services to the peninsula.
A report by the shire’s advocacy manager Randal Mathieson and acting director community strengthening Chris Munro stated the council did not “have the capacity to add another priority and coordinate a community campaign” after having already adopted its advocacy priorities for 2024: Port of Hastings (surplus land), recycled water, and housing/homelessness.
“Acknowledging Peninsula Health as the lead agency in this matter, we believe an appropriate next step is to arrange a meeting with Peninsula Health to get an update on the current situation and discuss how we can continue to help them with their advocacy efforts for the redevelopment of the Rosebud Hospital,” the report stated.
First published in the Mornington News – 25th June 2024
