The community hospitals program will deliver the following benefits:
Better services close to home
The Victorian Government is investing $675 million to develop 10 community hospitals in major growth areas across Victoria. These facilities will provide more locally available public healthcare options and better access to important ‘everyday’ health services close to home.
Services may include urgent care services, day surgery for minor procedures, public dental, and specialist appointments and will be tailored to each community.
Staying healthy locally
Community hospitals will also help keep local communities healthy by providing links to other local health care providers including GPs, allied health services, specialists, social services and major hospitals if more complex care is required.
Reduce pressure on major hospitals
Community hospitals will also reduce pressure on major public hospitals and emergency departments. This will assist major hospitals to focus on critical care, complex health issues and surgeries, emergencies and trauma while our community hospitals support locals to manage their ‘everyday’ health needs and access community services.
Meeting increased demand
As Victoria’s population grows and healthcare needs change, community hospitals will help meet increasing demand for public health services in major Victorian growth areas.
These facilities will be located in Cranbourne, Craigieburn, Eltham area, Fisherman’s Bend, Pakenham, Phillip Island, Point Cook, Sunbury, Torquay and City of Whittlesea.