By Vanessa Chircop
HOBSONS Bay City Council has joined the campaign for increased funding at the Western Region Health Centre by signing a petition and writing to the Minister for Health David Davis.
In May this year, Western Region Health Centre CEO Lyn Morgain wrote to the council requesting their support for funding to replace their aged and inadequate dental facilities.
Ms Morgain wrote that the centre had been advocating for this funding since 2006 and were very disappointed with the lack of specific commitment in the latest Victorian State Budget to undertake the vital work.
“Western Region Health Centre provides emergency, denture and general dental care to more than 10,000 people, from the most marginalised communities in Melbourne’s West each year.”
Ms Morgain added that if the centre did not receive funding soon the community in the West will continue to receive services from buildings that are severely aged, architecturally dysfunctional and not fully compliant with Australian Standards for infection control.
Councillor Bill Tehan said there was not only a shortage of General Practitioners in the western region but a shortage of dental facilities.
“We as a council owe them the support,” he said.
Cr John Hogg said dental health and neglect was an issue within the community and was on par with other health matters.
