Rallying cry to help Rosebud Hospital Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au A PUBLIC rally will be held in Rosebud next week to renew calls for the “urgent” redevelopment of the aging Rosebud Hospital. One of the organisers, long time hospital advocate since retiring at Rye, Sue Gilbert, said the redevelopment had become a “critical” issue for the southern peninsula, and there were fears the hospital could be forced to close if it deteriorated further. “If that happens, all the people and tourists that use the hospital will put extra pressure on Frankston, which just won’t be able to cope,” she said. “With the population increase on the peninsula and the summer crowds, the Rosebud Hospital is an essential service.” Gilbert said hospital staff worked under increasingly difficult conditions. In 2022, former Liberal candidate Matthew Guy promised $340 million for the hospital upgrades if the Coalition won government, but since Labor’s win little has happened. The hospital’s main buildings have not been redeveloped or expanded in nearly three decades and not all facilities meet current Australian standards. Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula CEO Josh Sinclair said it was clear the hospital desperately needed upgrades. He said Peninsula Health was likely to join the committee this year and he would start discussions with its CEO. “It’s a priority for us and them,”
Help the hospital: Rosebud resident Jo Hansen and longtime Rosebud Hospital advocate Sue Gilbert are urging people to join the rally next Wednesday and show their support for upgrades at Rosebud Hospital. Picture: Yanni
he said. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has also been pushing for the upgrades. The mayor Cr Simon Brooks said the peninsula’s population had grown significantly and now had one of the largest populations of older residents in Victoria, plus 7.5 million visitors a year. He said the minimum 45 minutes
to travel to Frankston Hospital for acute and emergency care put people’s lives at risk. “Our community often has to travel all the way to Melbourne for specialist care,” he said. “Rosebud Hospital is highly valued by our community. It was the community that originally funded the
hospital’s maternity ward, which was closed due to lack of anaesthetists available for surgery when needed. “ Nepean MP Sam Groth said he had tabled a 2500 signature petition in state parliament and was “100 per cent” behind the redevelopment. “I have asked the Labor Health Minister to commit funding and am
pushing it in parliament,” he said. Health Minister Mary Anne Thomas did not respond to requests for comment. Concerned residents can join the rally, which will be on Wednesday 24 January, at the eastern side entrance of the hospital, 1496 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud, from 10am to 2pm.
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Southern Peninsula News
17 January 2024
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