As part of our suite of real solutions for better healthcare in the heart of the north-east, the Liberals and Nationals will repurpose the planned Mernda Community Hospital and deliver the first stage of the Plenty Valley Hospital, recognising the enormous recent and future population growth impacting the existing health infrastructure.
The new Plenty Valley Hospital will provide the local community with vital additional healthcare services and relieve pressure on the overwhelmed Northern Hospital which is 12 kilometres from Mernda.
The hospital will also be administered by the Northern Health network and be a sister campus to the Northern Hospital at Epping.
The Liberals and Nationals will work in consultation with the community of Whittlesea and Northern Health to determine the exact location of the new Plenty Valley Hospital.
Facilities to be provided at a first stage of the Plenty Valley Hospital will include:
• an urgent care centre with a dedicated children's treatment area;
• general surgical facilities;
• a day surgery centre;
• 100 hospital beds;
• a maternity ward;
• specialist radiology, imaging and pathology diagnostics;
• day medical services including renal dialysis and chemotherapy;
• geriatric support and assessment including a transition care program (TCP);
• a specialist palliative care unit;
• a community public dental clinic;
• a 750-space carpark for staff, patients and visitors;
• the full range of community health services that the now repurposed community hospital would have provided, including mental health support.
It is envisaged that as the population across the City of Whittlesea continues to rapidly expand over the next 20 years, a second stage of the new hospital at Mernda, with a full emergency department and additional beds, will be necessary and the design of the first stage hospital will fully allow for future expansion.
Leader of the Liberal Party, Matt Guy, said securing the future of Plenty Valley Hospital was a key part of the Liberals and Nationals' real solutions to fix Victoria's healthcare crisis.
"After years of neglect and underinvestment, communities across the outer north-eastern suburbs are struggling to access the healthcare they deserve."
"This significant commitment is a real solution to deliver a world-class health service in the heart of Melbourne's outer north-east."
"This November, Victorians have a choice. Real solutions to fix the health crisis or a train line from Cheltenham to Box Hill in 13 years' time."
Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, said only the Liberals and Nationals have real solutions to restore community confidence in Victoria's healthcare system.
"Daniel Andrews has run our health system as Premier or Minister for 12 of the past 16 years. The person who broke the system isn't the one to fix it."
"Only a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will rebuild hospitals, halve surgery waitlists, fix triple-zero and end Victoria's healthcare crisis."
Liberal Candidate for Yan Yean, Richard Welch, said this vital upgrade would mean better healthcare, closer to home for Whittlesea and surrounding communities.
"This commitment is an important part of the Liberals and Nationals' plan to fix Victoria's healthcare crisis and will help give Whittlesea locals the health services they deserve."
