Eddie Russell
Moorabool council will call on Western Health and the state government to reaffirm their commitments to keep Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital open.
In 2021, Djerriwarrh Health was integrated into Western Health, which currently operates the Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital.
At the time of the merger, commitments were given that the hospital would remain open and no job losses or reduction of staff would come from the amalgamation of services.
Another commitment was that the amount of local health services, funding and community programs would not only remain consistent, but increase to match the rapid population growth of the region.
At a council meeting on August 7, councillors decided to write to Premier Jacinta Allan, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, Eureka MP Michaela Settle and Western Health chairperson Jill Hennessy, seeking assurances the 2021 commitments would be upheld.
The motion was moved by Councillor Rod Ward, who said there were concerns about the legitimacy of the agreements.
“I have been contacted by some local residents who are working there and they have made me aware there is a recruitment ban – so if people are leaving, they aren’t being replaced,” he said.
“If there is a [potential] reduction of staff levels, there will be reduction of services being offered to local residents.”
The operational timeline of the new Melton hospital is evidence of why crucial healthcare needs must be met in Moorabool, said Cr Ward.
“I’m deeply concerned that the $900 million hospital in Melton, which was to commence this year, hasn’t, so the need to continue funding services in our growing community is critical,” he said.
Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden told councillors that Western Health had reassured council that “services would likely increase” if anything.
Eureka MP Michaela Settle said hiring practices were not the responsibility of the state government but it would continue to support health services.
“The hospital and the boards are responsible for staff hiring policy, not the government,” she said.
“The Labor Government has invested a further 1.5 billion to support hospitals deliver world class care, building on the more than 8.8 billion we invested in the budget.”
Western Health was contacted for comment.
