Castlemaine Health has won the Victorian Government’s support to move Castlemaine Health into the next stage for future redevelopment.
“Our community deserves the best possible healthcare” said Ian Fisher, Castlemaine Health’s Chief Executive Officer.
“We have a great team of dedicated staff who do an incredible job and I’m proud of the services we deliver. But the problems of our ageing facilities must be addressed so that we can continue delivering our services. I’m thrilled that the Government has listened to the community, recognises our potential and is taking action.”
The Minister for Health Jill Hennessey has formally written committing the Department for Health and Human Services to working with Castlemaine District and Community Health over the next twelve months. The work will focus on developing a masterplan to guide growth and development of health services in the Mount Alexander region for the next 23-30 years.
CDCH Acting CEO Di Couch said that CDCH and Castlemaine Health share a vision to improve the health and wellbeing of our community. We’ve put forward an innovative bid that shows by combining our strength and purpose we can deliver better health outcomes for the community. We’re excited that the Government recognises the potential of this relationship and we’re looking forward to the next 12 months.”
The masterplan work will include a detailed analysis of services, community need and infrastructure. Mount Alexander Shire Council are supportive and endorsed the hospital redevelopment bid in their recent Council Plan.
One of the key strengths of the bid was the extensive input from local people living in shire.
Castlemaine Health Board Chair Sharon Fraser said: “We’ve had incredible support from the community and this news is credit to their advocacy and strength of feeling on this issue. This is a hospital that was built by the people, for the people. It’s only right to ensure that it continues to deliver high quality services into the future.”
