By Matthew Sims
Eastern Victoria MP Renee Heath has questioned if the Pakenham Community Hospital project was still going ahead.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday 28 November, she said the project was essential to support Cardinia’s growing population.
“The Cardinia Shire population is around 130,000 currently and is forecast to grow to 182,000 by 2041,“ she said.
“As the Pakenham region grows, infrastructure must increase to meet the need.
“I have spoken to many concerned constituents who are worried about inadequate roads, schools, parking and other infrastructure, but one thing that continues to come up is the need for health care, in particular the Pakenham community hospital.“
However, a State Government spokesperson has said the project was still progressing.
“With the final tenants now relocated, critical planning and site preparation work is underway to make way for the new Pakenham Community Hospital – ensuring we get it right for the local community,“ the spokesperson said.
According to a ’fact sheet’ on the project released by the State Government, the project would be delivered as part of a $675 million State Government investment to build and upgrade 10 community hospitals across the state.
The community hospital would expand from the current offering of mostly Tier 1 services to incorporate more public Tier 2 and 3 services during the week and out of hours, such as allied health services, pharmacy services, women’s health, paediatric care, diagnostic services, chronic disease management, community mental health assessment, alcohol and drug services, complex renal dialysis, day surgery, day chemotherapy, rehabilitation support, and family violence and crisis support services.
The Pakenham Gazette has previously reported that the project was delayed after legal proceedings were lodged in the Supreme Court regarding the application of a Public Acquisition Overlay over the land.
However, the court case has since been resolved and the project is now in the design phase.
Managed by Monash Health, the Pakenham Community Hospital would be a small public hospital providing a range of services including chronic disease management, urgent care, specialist medical appointments and diagnostic services.
Located on a portion of 67-69 Main Street, Pakenham (the old Woolworths building), the hospital would be within walking distance of the Pakenham town centre and train station.
The hospital would help take pressure off nearby major hospitals, including Casey Hospital, and enable more people to manage their health needs closer to home.“
However, Ms Heath said it was time to see some progress on the project.
“In 2018, a media release from then-Premier Daniel Andrews promised locals that the Pakenham community hospital would be ready by 2024,“ she said.
“Construction was promised for 2022, yet it is nearly 2024 and we have not seen a single thing done.“
