Locals part of Torquay hospital process

SOUTH Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman has announced the community consultative committee for Torquay’s flagship community hospital, with 12 locals now involved in the delivery of the multimillion dollar promise.

Chaired by Mr Cheeseman, the Torquay Community Hospital community consultative committee will give locals a platform to have their say while plans to develop the hospital are underway.

The investment is part of the Andrews Government’s $675 million election commitment to build or upgrade 10 community hospitals in Craigieburn, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Phillip Island, Sunbury, Torquay, the City of Whittlesea, the Eltham area, Point Cook and Fishermans Bend.

The consultative committee includes Philip Smith, Kay Talbot, James Armitage, Jo Craig, Shura Ford, Mike Atkinson, Celia Clarke, Samantha Haynes, Rebecca Talbot, Marc Cain, Tristan Johnson and Robert Skehan.

Mr Cheeseman said engaging with the committee will help ensure the hospital’s services are tailored to the community’s needs.

“It is critical these hospitals are shaped by their communities. We understand how important it is that locals get a real say on what health services they need and that’s exactly what this advisory group will do,” he said.

Community hospitals will offer services such as day surgery, renal dialysis, specialist appointments, allied health (physiotherapy and speech pathology), after-hours health care, women’s and children’s health and chronic disease management.

Services may also include community mental health, alcohol and drug services and public dental. The Torquay Community Hospital will be completed by 2024.