Fears for Footscray Hospital’s ageing infrastructure amid fears of ward closures

MARIBYRNONG Mayor Nam Quach has said political parties needed to commit more funds to Footscray Hospital otherwise several wards would close next year.

Neurologist stabbed earlier this morning at Western Hospital Footscray.

MARIBYRNONG  Mayor Nam Quach said political parties needed to commit more funds to Footscray Hospital otherwise several wards would close next year.

Last week, Labor ­announced it will spend $200 million building the Western Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Sunshine if ­elected.

RELATED:Labor will build the Western Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Sunshine if elected on November 29

However, Cr Quach said the facilities at Footscray Hospital were ageing and the community deserved the highest standard of healthcare possible.

“We urge all political parties to make funding Footscray Hospital a priority,” Cr Quach said.

“Wards at Footscray Hospital are planned to be closed down next year because the building is so unserviceable, and hazardous.”

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Cr Quach said the council was also advocating for ­improvements to facilities for the emergency department at Footscray Hospital.

Maribyrnong had earlier lobbied both major parties for a $550 million redevelopment of Western Health.

The council has thrown its support behind the health provider’s plan for a new emergency department and inpatient precinct at Western Hospital to meet future demand by 2026.

Under the initial proposal, the emergency department would more than double in size and be relocated.

The Greens have pledged to invest $550 million.

The Liberals are yet to make any commitments to the hospital. Western Health chief executive ­Associate Professor Alex Cockram said Labor’s commitment was a very significant “next step”.

Professor Cockram acknowledged the Greens’ earlier commitment to fund the Women’s and Children’s Centre at Sunshine.

Medicare Local figures show Maribyrnong has some of the poorest health rates in the state.

AT A GLANCE:

Labor:

Will spend $200 million building the Western Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Sunshine

Greens:

Will invest $550 million to redevelop and expand Footscray Hospital’s Emergency and Inpatient buildings. It will also construct a Women’s and Children’s Centre at Sunshine Hospital

Liberals: No committnment