NO DROP IN PAEDIATRIC CAPACITY AT GV HEALTH

Independent Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed has called on the Minister for Health Jill Hennessy to clarify the number of paediatric beds that will be funded in the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health.

Ms Sheed called on the Minister to allay community concerns about the number of beds allocated for children in the new hospital being insufficient.

“News reports are circulating about concern in relation to the number of beds for children. There is a very significant reduction in the number being touted at the moment”, Ms Sheed said in her question to the Minister in the Victorian Parliament on Wednesday.

“Constituents in my electorate are delighted by the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health announced in the last budget, but they are concerned that there is no clarity around the number of beds that will be provided for children,” Ms Sheed said.

In her response the Minister said, “I confirm for the member that there will be at least 12 dedicated paediatric beds, and on top of that, dedicated space in the Emergency Department for paediatric treatment”.

The Minister said there would be additional capacity rising out of design work around the integration of women’s and children’s needs. She said the hospital was growing in all areas and would meet – and possibly exceed – the current surge capacity for 26 children in a crisis situation.

 “In terms of the capacity to meet surge… the hospital is being built and designed for that purpose.”

The Minister said she would be happy to provide Ms Sheed and the community with further clarity in whatever form provides assurance and confidence in the project.

 

ENDS

Media contact

Riahn Smith 0419 138 978│riahn.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

 

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