Hospital plans call on community

Picture - JORDAN CRUGNALE.

By Mitchell Clarke

Pakenham residents will play a key role in establishing the services they deem to be of most importance when the Pakenham Community Hospital is up and running.

The range of services offered at the hospital will be tailored around the needs of the local community with specialist appointments, day surgeries, renal dialysis, allied health and after-hours care all set to be catered for.

Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale announced the Community Consultative Committee for the hospital on Monday 15 July.

“We’re getting on with building the Pakenham Community Hospital because locals should be able to easily access the care they need, close to home and when they need it,” Ms Crugnale said.

“It is critical this hospital and its services are shaped by our local community and the advisory group will do just that as will the wider community that we as a group will be talking with all along the way.”

Chaired by Ms Crugnale, the committee includes 12 members and aims to provide locals with a say over the future of the hospital, providing all the services at the one location.

The committee members are Ms Renee Watkins, Ms Marlene Dalziel, Mr Clive Nicholson, Ms Aditi Maini, Mr Richard Jesty, Mr Sanil Raj, Ms June Williams, Ms Miriam Cadwallader, Mr Jasbir Singh Suropada, Ms Abiola Ajetomobi, Mr Harjasnoor Kaur and Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra.

The hospital is part of a $675 million election commitment to build or upgrade 10 community hospitals in Pakenham, Cranbourne, Phillip Island and a number of other areas across the state.

The location of the hospital is yet to be determined and is one of the first things the committee will be working on.

The department have been in contact with Cardinia Shire Council for their input of potential sites in and around Pakenham.

“Ideally we are looking for around 6 hectares so we future proof the Community Hospital to be able to expand its services as the local health and well-being needs change over time,” Ms Crugnale said.

“Too often things get built and run out of space within a minute of opening.

“Close to public transport, main roads, other services and central access are important considerations when scoping potential sites.”

Pakenham Community Hospital is set to be completed by 2024.