The Minister for Health has been forced into an embarrassing backdown over the Sea Lake Hospital after two long years of obstruction, Shadow Minister for Health David Davis said today.
“This welcome backdown means the hospital will not be forced to close at Christmas, as would have occurred under the Minister’s long-standing plan,” Mr Davis said.
“The hospital closure would have left 40 staff without a job and forced the relocation of 28 long-term high-care and low-care residents.
“The Minister arrogantly tried to deny responsibility for looking after the people of Sea Lake and its hospital, but in the end people power triumphed.
“Local people and Aged and Community Care Victoria have already welcomed the Minister’s embarrassing backdown.
“The Brumby Government has been forced to back down on its closure of a country health service, which is a lesson for country Victorians – they must fight Labor’s arrogant wind-back of services.
“The extra money provided will enable a reconfiguration of bed numbers and mix, including a net reduction in total bed numbers with a move from aged care and acute beds to flexible beds.
“The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition will monitor closely the promises of the Minister to ensure his pledges are delivered in full, as the Brumby Government cannot be trusted to look after health services in country Victoria,” Mr Davis said.
