Why is the Sunbury Day Hospital being built?
In 2006, the Victorian Government committed to building a day hospital at Sunbury in order to improve local access to acute health services. Sunbury Day Hospital will complete a ring of health care facilities in the outer metropolitan area and the services provided at Sunbury Day Hospital will effectively meet the needs of the local community.
Why is the facility not at Sunbury Private Hospital?
The site of the former Sunbury Private Hospital, which closed in June 2006, is owned by Prime Life, a private aged care provider. The land at 7 Macedon Street offered the opportunity for a new facility to be co-located with existing community health services, as well as being close to the town centre and accessible by public transport.
When will Sunbury Day Hospital be completed?
Construction commenced in August 2009. Construction will be completed in late 2010, with the facility operational from early 2011.
What health care services will be provided at Sunbury Day Hospital?
The Sunbury Day Hospital is designed to enhance existing health services in the community, while also providing the flexibility to adapt to changing needs.
Services to be provided at the site include:
- Low complexity same day surgical procedures
- Same day medical procedures, including renal dialysis
- A range of specialist clinics to meet the needs of the community.
Western Health will work closely with local GPs and other health care providers to determine the configuration of services that will best meet the needs of Sunbury's residents.
Why is there no Emergency Department?
The Sunbury Day Hospital will not have any inpatient beds. The number of patients generally requiring hospitalisation is small, and can be appropriately managed through existing Western Health facilities.
How will the Sunbury Day Hospital impact on the Sunbury Community Health Centre?
The Sunbury Community Health Centre will continue to deliver a comprehensive range of health services from its facility, while Sunbury Day Hospital will offer acute day services to enhance this. Both providers will work collaboratively to ensure that the necessary services are provided.
Has the development taken into account the expected increase in population in the Sunbury area?
Between 2006 and 2016, Sunbury's population is expected to grow by approximately 16 per cent, including a 72 per cent increase in people over the age of 60. The Sunbury Day Hospital has been designed to meet the long-term needs of Sunbury's residents.
Will I still have to go to my GP?
Your GP should remain your primary health care provider. Sunbury Day Hospital will offer a range of public health services that are currently unavailable in the area, and your GP will be able to refer you if you require them.
Will I have to pay?
Patients will not be charged for services provided by Western Health at Sunbury Day Hospital.
Is there sufficient parking at Sunbury Day Hospital?
Advice on parking requirements was provided in a Traffic Management Report. Western Health will provide the recommended 75 parking bays at Sunbury Day Hospital.
Will the roundabout be busier?
The Traffic Management Report noted that the new facility will generate less traffic flow than a large residential development. The location of the entrance at the east end of the site, as well as a left slip lane, will mean little to no interruption to Macedon Street's traffic flow.
Will the new building overlook the neighbours?
The design of the new building is single storey to ensure minimal impact on immediate neighbours. The landscape design includes screening trees to improve the visual outlook of the site.
How will the facility be landscaped?
The landscaping design will be sensitive to the heritage overlay on the property and will incorporate native vegetation appropriate to the area.
What is going to happen to Ardcloney House?
Ardcloney House has been retained and incorporated into the design of Sunbury Day Hospital. The building will be used for educational and staff facilities, with no alteration to the exterior of the original building.
Is the building environmentally friendly?
A range of environmentally sustainable initiatives have been incorporated into the design of Sunbury Day Hospital, including the following:
- Solar hot water
- Rain water and grey water collection
- Low energy air conditioning systems
- Occupancy activated lighting
- Recycling as part of waste management
Will the facility be noisy?
There will be some noise during the construction phase. Consistent with Environment Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines, the standard construction hours will be Monday to Friday 7:00am-6:00pm, and Saturday from 1:00pm.
Where can I find more information on Sunbury Day Hospital?
Information for residents is available at www.westernhealth.org.au. Western Health will also provide written information regularly to local residents during the construction period.
You can contact Western Health via the internet, or by phoning 8345 0113.
The Sunbury Day Hospital will provide services never previously available to local residents