Victorian Nationals: Community owned hospitals thrown a lifeline

Victoria’s community owned hospitals will keep their doors open under a Liberal and Nationals government.

The Nationals Deputy Leader, Emma Kealy, today announced the Liberals and Nationals would review the funding requirements of the five remaining hospitals in Euroa, Nagambie, Neerim, Heyfield and Cobden and guarantee funding to keep them operating.

“Victoria used to be home to more than 40 bush nursing hospitals. Today, just five remain because the Andrews Labor Government continues to treat them as private health services,” Ms Kealy said.

“Instead of letting health services like Ballan go to the wall, we will step in and support them.

“Not only will we provide them with the operational funding they need to keep delivering services in their communities, but we will also ensure they can access capital funding streams.

“This is a win for locals who need services delivered close to home, and it will help take pressure off the overburdened public health system.”

The announcement comes after Member for Euroa Steph Ryan facilitated a meeting to discuss the funding crisis facing the five remaining services several months ago.

The Nationals Candidate for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said hospitals such as Euroa and Nagambie would only continue to operate if they were supported by government.

“We shouldn’t have to fight for basic services such as healthcare, but under the Andrews Government, hospitals like Euroa and Nagambie are not funded,” Ms Cleeland said.

“This commitment means locals will be able to access a greater range of services in our community, instead of being forced to travel to Shepparton because they don’t have private health insurance.”

Liberal Candidate for Euroa, Brad Hearn, said bush nursing hospitals were an asset to our communities.

“The services offered by bush nursing hospitals around the state are important in saving rural lives and ensure that country people can get access to health care in their home town” Mr Hearn said.

“Ensuring that the 22 beds are operational here in Euroa and easing the burdens across the remaining hospitals is essential. Improving the access to healthcare is something I am passionate about making a reality for country and rural Victorians.”