TRANSCRIPT:
I rise today to place on the record my support for one of Victoria’s last community-owned hospitals, Euroa Health, and their fight to secure their long-term future.
Our state was once home to more than 40 community hospitals, with now just a handful left.
With the decline of private health insurance, veterans care and an ageing population, Euroa Health is operating at a significant deficit every financial year.
This crucial local health service does so much to take the strain off GV Health while serving the community with high standard aged and acute care services.
With our health system in such a dire state through bloated waitlists and a 000 system in crisis, it is crucial regional Victorians have local, accessible and high-quality health care – exactly what Euroa Health provides.
Strathbogie remains the only local government area in Victoria that has no publicly funded health system.
Last year a petition was tabled bearing more than 1500 signatures collected in a little over a week calling for the government to financially support Euroa Health.
It is clear the community is right behind their hospital.
This petition was driven by outgoing CEO Cherie Hunter, who in her time in the role contributed so much to the community.
The region thanks you for your service, and we wish you well for the future.
My predecessor Steph Ryan raised the need for recurrent public funding with multiple ministers.
I am glad to hear the Department of Health is now engaging constructively with Euroa Health, and I look forward to the positive news in the future.