MILDURA Base Hospital will return to public management next year.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Jenny Mikakos will be in Mildura on Friday to officially announce the State Government’s decision not to renew Ramsay Health Care’s contract to manage the hospital.
“The community has spoken and we’ve listened,” Mr Andrews said on Thursday.
“After two decades of privatised health care, we’re returning Mildura Base Hospital back to public hands, where it belongs.
“This result is a testament to the advocacy of (Member for Mildura) Ali Cupper and every single local campaigner, who have been tireless in their fight to get their hospital back.”
Ramsay’s management of the hospital will end in September next year.
The announcement comes after one of the most significant community campaigns in Sunraysia’s history.
“This is a moment for the history books,” Ms Cupper said.
“It is vindication for all of those doctors and nurses and community members and patients and community leaders who have fought so hard for parity with the rest of the state and dignity and respect for north-west Victoria.”
The government will on Friday also announce $1 million towards a new regional service plan to identify the future healthcare needs of the Sunraysia community.
The community will have a chance to contribute to the plan through a community consultative committee, which will be chaired by Ms Cupper.
“We look forward to working closely with Ali Cupper and the community over the next year as we do the hard work to bring Mildura Base back into back in public hands,” Mr Andrews said.
A local board will be appointed and staff including doctors, nurses, allied health and support staff will transfer to the new public service.
The government is investing $124.07 million in the hospital this financial year – a $7.56 million boost on the previous 12 months.
The government has also invested $8.86 million from its Regional Health Infrastructure Fund for a refurbished ICU, a new paediatric ward and revolutionary theatre equipment at the hospital.
Ms Mikakos took a swipe at the Opposition, saying its “obsession with privatisation” had taken the hospital out of the community’s hands.
“We’ve heard the passionate call for change in Mildura loud and clear – and we’re getting it done,” she said.
“This is a big win for Mildura, local patients and hospital staff.”
The government held consultations about the management issue and in April revealed 90 per cent of the 2125 respondents were in favour of the hospital returning to public hands.
Ms Cupper also garnered 2188 signatures on a petition which was presented to the government.
