Despite pledging hundreds of millions of dollars in hospital improvements, the Coalition and Labor have ignored Western Health’s call for $550 million to redevelop the 60-year-old Footscray Hospital.
Opposition leader Dan Andrews has so far promised $106.3 million to expand Casey Hospital in Melbourne’s south east, and $200 million for a women’s and children’s centre at Sunshine Hospital, should Labor win this month’s election.
While Maribyrnong councillor Catherine Cumming welcomed the announcement of the $200 million funding for Sunshine she urged the state government and opposition to address Footscray’s crumbling emergency department.
“Where are the funds for Footscray Hospital?” said Cr Cumming.
“I don’t know why the Labor Party is ignoring the first step that Western Health needs done immediately.
“This is not a wishlist. This is a must-do priority.”
Cr Cumming proposed that the emergency department be completely demolished and replaced. “It will be the best $550 million spent in the western suburbs with a great and long-term outcome.”
Greens MP for the western suburbs Colleen Hartland said Footscray was the state’s worst-performing emergency department on critical benchmarks.
“I’ve been there to see it for myself,” she said. “The Footscray Hospital emergency department is decrepit and no longer fit for its purpose. This compromises people’s health, despite the fantastic work of doctors and nurses.”
Both Labor and Liberal remained silent on the issue because they were too focused on eastern marginal seats, she said.
