2016-04-10
Victorian Greens call for urgent Footscray Hospital redevelopment funding in the 2016-17 Victorian Budget, after about 60 beds and three wards have been closed due to the decrepit facilities.
“The government thinks it can deliver 21st century healthcare in a run-down 1950s hospital. It’s clearly not working, and it’s the people of the west who are suffering as a result,” said Victorian Greens Health Spokesperson and MP for the Western Suburbs, Colleen Hartland.
“It’s shocking to walk the halls and see doors to wards locked and the lights down. It’s appalling that successive Liberal and Labor Governments have allowed it to get to this point.”
“Before the wards were closed, the floors are literally cracking, there was very limited privacy, and patients were expected to share two communal toilets with up to 33 other sick people. Unfortunately, the wards still open in the South Block are not much better.”
“The fact that the government has recently announced funding for Sunshine and Werribee hospitals only goes to show how neglected they have let the west become. That funding does not justify leaving Footscray hospital in this half derelict state.”
"The $17 million promised is a band-measure to keep remaining wards open. What is also urgently needed this budget is $30 million for the detailed design and planning, and a firm committment from the Andrews Government to the full redevelopment over coming years."
“Western Health has estimated that delaying the redevelopment of this hospital could cost tens of millions in dollars in wasted money trying to keep the doors open. Labor can’t afford to delay this redevelopment any longer.”
“Liberal and Labor politicians would never have let this happen in the eastern suburbs. But the western suburbs are safe seats and there has always been a culture amongst the major parties that it’s ok to neglect them.”
“As the MP for Altona, the Health Minister is letting down her own community in the western suburbs who have suffered with sub-standard facilities for far too long. I’m going to use every opportunity I have to tell the Minister that we expect her to deliver for locals,” said Ms Hartland.