MEMBER for Murray Plains Peter Walsh says today’s Victorian Budget must contain up to $20 million to secure stage one of Swan Hill District Health’s redevelopment.
Mr Walsh said with rising construction costs and frustrating delays, there was a real risk the new emergency department would not have enough funding to complete the job without this multimillion-dollar top up.
The Guardian understands that without the top-up, stage one won’t be able to be completed to its full scope.
The site for the new ED appeared to be ready for construction to start, with the former nurses’ home having been demolished at the start of the year.
“Either way, it is disappointing we need the funding,” Mr Walsh said.
“If the Health Department and the State Government had got on with the job, we might not be in this mess.
“The hospital and its management and maintenance has been under the direct control of Daniel Andrews, first as Health Minister and then as Premier, yet for years he has chosen to ignore every appeal or suggestion The Nationals have made in that time.
“And this critical project might never have started had the Federal Government not committed the $30 million that got the show on the road in the first place.”
The Victorian Government contributed $18.7 million to the redevelopment in August last year.
Mr Walsh said Swan Hill was told the major construction would begin this year, but apart from site clearing there has been little other progress.
“In the meantime, Swan Hill and region remains underserviced and people’s health remains at risk despite the astonishing job being done by the dedicated staff who have been holding the show together for years,” Mr Walsh said.
“Then Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas promised rebuilding the ED would ensure residents could access faster emergency care.
“Well unless something starts happening soon, I’m not sure how long locals will be expected to wait if there isn’t enough money to get the job done properly and our state debt starts rising faster than its $10 million in interest – every day.
“Whatever is cut out of (today’s) budget, the top-up funding for Swan Hill’s hospital simply cannot be a budget item with a big red line through it.”
The new ED will include 15 treatment rooms plus a four-bed short-stay unit, a small extension to radiology, a new entry into the hospital with a reception area, new larger waiting areas, a new cafe and staff office and meeting areas.
The offices of SHDH chief executive Peter Abraham and Ms Thomas have been contacted for comment.
