Premier Daniel Andrews today announced the Andrews Labor Government will immediately invest $10 million to identify options for transforming Geelong Private Hospital on Ryrie Street into a Women’s and Children’s hospital.
The study will look at options to deliver additional maternity and paediatric services for Geelong families, as well as more inpatient beds, delivery rooms, operating theatres and clinics for the growing community.
The Labor Government is also taking action to make sure workers affected by the closure of Geelong Private Hospital will find new roles doing the jobs they want, with 117 jobs to be made available at Barwon Health for nurses, allied health workers, administration staff, and patient services assistants.
The Geelong Private Hospital is closing its doors because it can no longer remain financially sustainable in a crowded market of private hospitals.
The Liberals broke a key election promise to build a second public hospital for Geelong before the 2010 election, instead signing up to a secret, dodgy deal that saw another private hospital thrown into the mix at Waurn Ponds.
It’s yet more proof the Liberals just can’t help themselves – they cut public health care and they close hospitals.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We’re planning for the establishment of a world-class women’s and children’s hospital that will give Geelong families the full suite of services they need, closer to home.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“The closure of the Geelong Private Hospital is a blow for the community and the Andrews Labor Government will carefully investigate ways this closure can be mitigated.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“Undertaking planning for a new women’s and children’s hospital in Geelong demonstrates the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to first-class public health services for patients and families.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
“This would be an enormous boost to how we provide the highest levels of health care for women and children in Geelong and surrounds.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren
“Geelong is growing, so we need to invest to ensure locals get the best health care when they need it.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020