By JESSE GRAHAM
HEALESVILLE Hospital’s move to independence may be one step closer to reality under a federal Coalition Government, according to Member for Casey Tony Smith.
Mr Smith, along with Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Peter Dutton, announced on Monday 2 September that a federally elected Coalition Government would supply $50,000 for an independent business case study for the hospital.
The case study would be funded before the end of the financial year, and would investigate the feasibility of the hospital becoming independent, with its own board of management.
Mr Smith said the Save Healesville Hospital Action Group (SHHAG) had made progress since their community meeting before Easter and that the funding would assist the community group.
“At the pre-Easter public meeting, I said that if a business case showed independence and would deliver the best improvement in health services for Healesville, I will be all for it,” he said.
“At the earliest practicable opportunity, a Coalition Government will commence discussions with the Healesville community group about the progress, including the selection of an expert consultant,” Mr Dutton said.
SHHAG has been campaigning heavily for an assessment of Healesville Hospital, to see what direction should be taken regarding future health services.
SHHAG member Fiona McAllister said she was pleased about the funding pledge for the case study.
“It certainly positions us well, to make sure all avenues are explored, in terms of making sure we get the right services for Healesville now and into the future,” she said.
“Ultimately, we need to know what is the right model for us – whether it’s being self-governing, or whether it’s being part of Eastern Health.
“It’s not about taking sides – it’s about ensuring that, as a community, we have the best model for us.”
The funding pledge is dependent on the Coalition being elected as the Federal Government after the election on Saturday.
