WYNDHAM’S only public hospital has been given a last minute reprieve with the Federal Government announcing it will not be cutting funding this financial year.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced last Thursday that the Federal Government would reinstate $3 million in funding to Mercy Health.
Last week Star reported that Werribee Mercy Hospital, which is run by Mercy Health, was planning on reducing 357 elective surgery cases and closing eight medical beds and three special care nursery cots.
At Mercy Hospital for Women 170 elective surgery cases were going to be reduced while two special care nursery cots would be closed.
Executive Director of Mercy Public Hospitals, Dr Linda Mellors, said she was still waiting to find out what was in store for the hospital’s long term future.
“Mercy Health is pleased by the Commonwealth Government’s announcement that it will be reinstating $107 million into the Victorian health system,” Dr Mellors said.
“The reinstatement of this year’s lost funding is good short term news for our patients and staff. We are awaiting a detailed explanation of how the funding will be provided back to Mercy Hospital for Women, Werribee Mercy Hospital and a number of other public health programs managed by Mercy Public Hospitals Inc, and are keen to understand the impact on future years.”
Prime Minister Gillard used the backflip to take a swipe at Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu.
“Since coming to Government, Mr Baillieu has proven he’s completely incapable of managing Victoria’s health system,” Ms Gillard said.
“But I believe that Victorians shouldn’t be punished because of the incompetence of the Baillieu Government.
“I’ve heard the message loud and clear from the Wyndham community – they’re tired of the blame game, and they just want the health care they deserve.”
Member for the Western Metropolitan Region, Andrew Elsbury, said the reinstatement of the funding was not enough.
“The reinstatement of the first $107 million in Federal health funding is a welcome first step, but Julia Gillard needs to commit to reversing the further $368 million in cuts that are slated for June 30,” Mr Elsbury said.
