Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital has been given more than $10 million to overhaul its health services.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy pledged the funds last Friday, saying the state government is committed to, and confident in, the hospital.
Two new operating theatres will be built, old theatres will be refurbished, and maternity units expanded, including four extra post-delivery beds and a new, three-bay nursery.
Ms Hennessy said she had “absolute confidence and optimism” in the future of maternity services at the hospital.
“We wouldn’t be investing this money if we didn’t have the confidence in this health service, and I’ve got every confidence,” she said.
“I know each and every single day, the staff come into work full of care and clinical expertise. And they want the best outcomes for their local community.”
Meanwhile, John Ballard has been reappointed administrator of Djerriwarrh Health Services, which manages the Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital, for another 12 months. Dr Ballard was appointed administrator last year after the hospital’s board was sacked amid controversy over baby deaths.
Two new community advisory committees will be set up at Melton and Bacchus Marsh to ensure local voices are heard. The committees will be chaired by Melton MP Don Nardella.
Dr Ballard said the $10.6 million boost was an “emphatic” sign that rumours about Bacchus Marsh hospital closing down were incorrect
“We need to emphasise to the community, we’re providing a safe service – they’re really good services and they’re services that are staying,” Dr Ballard said.
“There were these unfortunate tragic, adverse events and they happened, but they happened in the past … that doesn’t diminish them in anyway whatsoever, but as a health service, we’ve gone through enormous change.”
Dr Ballard said the state government’s commitment to overhauling hospital services was “uplifting” for staff, who have worked “unrelentingly” to provide excellent professional care for patients.
Djerriwarrh Health Services chief executive Andrew Freeman said the funding was a “vote of confidence” in staff for local residents.
Construction works on the operating theatres and the maternity unit are expected to start mid next year.
