Sandringham hospital to receive $25m upgrade in latest Opposition attack on Labor over the state’s health crisis

Sandringham hospital is set to receive a $25 million upgrade if the Victorian Liberal Nationals win in November as the Opposition continues to attack Labor over the state’s health crisis.

Sandringham hospital will receive a $25 million upgrade if the Victorian Liberal Nationals are elected in November as the Opposition continues to attack Labor over the state’s health crisis.

The funding commitment drew a quick backlash from the Andrews Government who immediately moved to talk down the proposal and attack their opponents.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy on Tuesday accused the state of cutting back healthcare services in Sandringham.

He promised that if elected his government would spend $25m modernising the existing hospital, refurbishing the maternity ward and setting up a new community reference group.

The Opposition also moved to guarantee Sandringham’s emergency department stays up for 24 hours every day of the year, pledging to work with Alfred Health on a local General Surgical Unit.

Matthew Guy on Tuesday accused the state of cutting back healthcare services in Sandringham. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Mr Guy said improving Sandringham was a key plank in fixing the state’s healthcare system.

“Cutting and closing local hospitals is not the way to recover, rebuild and move forward with confidence,” he said.

“Rebuilding our health system isn’t just about the biggest of big announcements.

“It’s also making sure what we’ve got is well looked after, and operates to the best of community need.

“We’re going to have a community reference group in place to make sure we do this with the community, not speaking at them or talking down to people like the premier does.”

Sandringham MP Brad Rowswell said he had been born at Sandringham Hospital 36 years ago.

“The place hasn’t changed much since then,” he said.

“Our plan will support critical health services, upgrade facilities for the future and bring the local community together to ensure the Sandringham Hospital can service the next generation of local residents.”

The Coalition’s announcement drew a firey response from the state government, with a spokesman criticising the plan.

The state government’s spokesman has criticised the plan. Picture: Wayne Taylor

“Matthew Guy is once again coming up with half-baked plans and policy on the run in a desperate attempt to cling to tightly-held seats under threat from independents,” he said.

“We will work with Alfred Health to make sure they can deliver the services the community needs - it’s why as part of our $1.5 billion Covid Catch-Up Plan we are establishing an elective surgery Rapid Access Hub at Sandringham Hospital - so locals can continue to get the care they need, close to home.”

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas also responded to the announcement by attacking the Liberal Nationals over their pledges to build hospitals in Mildura, Albury-Wodonga and Warragul.

The Andrews Government has started accusing the Opposition of a “black hole” because some of these projects will require equal funding from the Commonwealth.

This is not necessarily unusual, but Ms Thomas said the projects were “empty promises”.

She also said Mr Guy “can’t be trusted to deliver a stethoscope let alone a hospital”.

“The Liberals’ track record speaks for itself – they cut funding to hospitals, slashed services and sacked staff,” Ms Thomas said

“All Victorians remember the Liberal’s record of botched hospital projects including under-funding the upgrade of the asbestos-riddled Eye and Ear Hospital and with not a single commitment to fully fund Albury/Wodonga, Mildura or Warragul - country Victorians will see them for the half-baked commitments they are.”

Originally published as Sandringham hospital to receive $25m upgrade in latest Opposition attack on Labor over the state’s health crisis