LRH NEEDS FINALLY ON HEALTH MINISTER'S RADAR

Local Nationals MPs Peter Hall and Russell Northe are pleased the need for expanded facilities at Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH) is on the radar of new health Minister, Daniel Andrews.

Both members have called on the State Government to commit funds for the refurbishment and expansion of the hospital’s emergency department in their respective houses throughout the year.

Member for Eastern Region, Peter Hall said the afore-mentioned was one of a range of service and capital requirements identified by the hospital board in their strategic plan.

"Pressure on the emergency department is compounded by excessive demand for mental health services in our region, creating a vicious cycle whereby the hospital is forced to use inpatient beds inadequately thus reducing resources for inpatients in general," Mr Hall said.

"The capacity of the emergency department to keep up with the demands of a growing Latrobe community is limited and we seek assurances the Brumby Government will work with hospital management to ensure adequate services are delivered to residents in the valley," said Mr Northe.

The Nationals parliamentarians agreed the strain on current services was impacting on staff and management as well as patients.

"Our office receives numerous calls from families of patients saying they appreciate the efforts of hard-working staff but that the facilities cannot adequately cater for the number of people presenting for treatment," Mr Northe commented.

Mr Hall said he was hopeful LRH’s master plans, due for completion next year, would receive the support and financial backing of the State Government following Minister Andrew’s visit yesterday.

Whilst the MPs were disappointed the previous Minister had failed to comply with a request to meet with them to discuss LRH before shifting portfolio, Mr Northe said he was pleased Minister Andrews had made the effort to leave the city to view the regional health facility
first-hand.

Media contact:                  Peter Hall      (03) 5174 7066   or 0427 747 066