morebeds: Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley standing outside the Casey Hospital with the Baillieu Government’s health plan.By Lia Bichel
A LOCAL MP is urging residents to sign a petition calling for more beds at Casey Hospital.
Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley said Casey Hospital was in need of new beds to keep pace with the significant growth in Casey and Cardinia.
She said at the last election, the Labor Party promised $30 million for 30 new beds and a surgical operating theatre at the hospital.
In her parliamentary speech on the 2011 State Budget last month, Ms Graley said: “Casey Hospital is a great hospital with terrific staff and the community loves the fact that we have this very good hospital in our area,” she said.
“Despite all the hundreds and thousands of people moving into the growth area, the people of Casey will get a $1 million plan.
“Having looked at the plan the Minister for Health has outlined, I see that six more plans are to be delivered but not one extra bed. It is such a shame.
“People like going to their local hospital because they develop a rapport with staff. People who have children with asthma want to be able to get to the 24-hour emergency clinic.
“If a bed is needed they want to know that a bed will be there for them.”
Friends of the Berwick-Cranbourne News Facebook page has backed Ms Graley’s calls for healthcare improvements.
Judie Hedrick said there was a need for not only more beds, but another hospital.
Ms Graley said anyone wanting to sign the petition can do so by contacting her office on 9704 6055.
