Tuesday, 31 October 2023

Northern Victoria Region

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (13:08): (507) My question is to the Minister for Health following a review by St John of God Bendigo Hospital into the potential closure of their intensive care unit and maternity health services. St John of God Bendigo Hospital is facing a crisis at the moment, with a review into the financial sustainability of the intensive care unit and obstetric services in Bendigo. Our public healthcare system and Bendigo Health care group are already under extreme pressure and struggling to cope with current demand. There are already long waitlists for surgery, staff shortages and cost increases. Bendigo is a major regional centre, and the closure of St John of God’s maternity and intensive care services would be devastating to the wider region. The loss of private obstetric services would be a blow for regional women, with no option for them to engage in safe birthing of their choice. I ask the minister to respond to these concerns and take action to avoid a worsening healthcare crisis in the region.