The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, is calling on the Victorian Government to urgently provide funding certainty to Euroa Health ahead of next month’s State Budget.
Questions asked to the Treasurer by Ms Cleeland through Parliament, seeking an understanding of whether increased funding will be provided to Euroa Health, are now more than a month overdue.
Ms Cleeland said the community needed answers about the future of their local health service.
“The Treasurer needs to answer these questions and come clean about future funding for Euroa Health,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Several other budget related questions have been responded to by the Treasurer. I’m concerned about the silence on Euroa Health.
“Everyone involved have been up front about the hospital’s challenges and what is required. It’s time to see Euroa Health’s future secured.”
With the recent closure of the Urgent Care Centre at Euroa Health, Ms Cleeland said long term certainty is desperately needed.
“Shortages in the health workforce are posing massive challenges for regional health services and Euroa Health is not immune,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Without a doctor to staff the centre they have been left with no option but to close this service, something no one wants to see.
“Without long term and ongoing funding, it makes it incredibly difficult for Euroa Health to undertake strategic workforce planning, fund services and overcome these challenges.”
While Euroa Health is currently in ongoing discussion with the Department of Health, no recurrent funding commitment has been made by the Victorian Government.
“After years of asking the Andrews Government has finally started to work constructively with Euroa Health and listen to their concerns,” Ms Cleeland said.
“These problems haven’t come from nowhere and it’s disappointing a hospital’s future is at risk due to the government’s slow-moving processes.
“Regional Victorians should always be able to access the healthcare they need close to home.”
Ms Cleeland congratulated new CEO Melissa Seymour on her appointment.
“I look forward to working closely with Melissa to support Euroa Health well into the future,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I’m sure she will do a magnificent job in this challenging and rewarding role.”
