MILDURA Base Hospital chief executive Julia Morgan admitted Ramsay Health Care was “extremely disappointed” after being notified of the Victorian Government’s decision not to renew its contract past September 2020.
In February this year, Ramsay offered the government a proposal to continue operating the hospital for the next 10 years along with an investment of $13 million in hospital and community-based services in the area.
“We tried everything we could to retain operation of the hospital, but we respect the decision to return the hospital to the state and will work with the Department of Health & Human Services to ensure a smooth transition,” Ms Morgan said on Thursday night.
“We have worked very hard to ensure we delivered excellent care and high-quality outcomes for patients, since we commenced operating the hospital in 2000.
“We are very proud of the fact that after almost two decades of Ramsay management of MBH, there has not been any major quality, safety or performance issues.
“In addition, Ramsay has managed MBH within budget for the entire time of its operation, never having to ask the Government for additional funding, or not met its budget.”
Ms Morgan said MBH was the most remote sub regional hospital in Victoria, and one that operated in a community of high disadvantage, meaning it had unique challenges including workforce recruitment and retention and high acuity presentations.
