The upgrade of the Daylesford Hospital remains a key issue for the State Election on the 26th of November, locally.

The State opposition has detailed its policy for supporting the $75 mill redevelopment of the Daylesford Hospital.  This challenges the position taken by Health minister and local member Mary-Anne Thomas,  that Daylesford is adequately/appropriately  served by current and planned health services in Ballarat.
The Liberal Party plans to pay the redevelopment as part of its shelving the $35 billion Cheltenham to Box Hill rail line.

Local member and Labor candidate, Mary-Anne Thomas who is also Minister for Health, indicated that the Labor Government has committed $4.55 million through the Regional Health Infrastructure fund to redevelop the operating suite at the hospital and around $1.3 million for a range of maintenance and minor upgrades.

Ms Thomas says, “this is in stark contrast to the Coalition who will promise the world while in opposition but will do the opposite if give a chance to govern.”

The Daylesford Hospital redevelopment is based on the  community funded  2021 Daylesford Hospital masterplan which recognised the hospital facilities are outdated and no longer fit for purpose. The plan includes a new 18-bed acute ward for both medical and surgical admissions, increased space for dialysis, upgraded and expanded aged care, palliative care and respite, as well as improved access for those with disabilities.

Opposition leader Matt Guy said ” …. towns such as Daylesford experienced a sharp increase in its population in such a short period of time, and the local health service must be redeveloped in order to keep up with a growing demand,”

Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, said the Daylesford community had banded together to advocate the need for the redevelopment.

“The people of Daylesford have sent a clear message, and we have listened,”

In a response to the Wombat Post  – The Daylesford Hospital Upgrade committee chair – Lesley Hewitt**  said “ The hospital upgrade is essential for Daylesford’s long term future and wellbeing. It is disappointing that bi-partisan support for the project has not been achieved at this time.”