The new hospital, which includes state of art day medical facilities, consulting rooms and operating and recovery theatres, also includes the Ardcloney building, which was of particular interest to long time local residents that were familiar with the iconic building.
Following a musical performance by well known local community choir the Sunbury Divas, and a welcome to country ceremony by elder Aunty Annette Xiberras from the Wurrundjeri people, the hospital was officially opened by the Minister for Health David Davis and our own Western Health Board Chair Ralph Willis. This was followed by a prize presentation to local school children that had been recognised in the Community Art Competition, with the winning entries to be framed and permanently placed on the walls of the hospital for the enjoyment of patients.
During his speech, Board Chair Ralph Willis said the hospital would be a tremendous benefit to many local residents that currently have to travel long distances for healthcare.
"Having a day hospital in Sunbury will make a great difference to hundreds of patients in the Sunbury area. For example, dialysis patients, who need to receive treatment for four hours a day, three times a week, will now be able to receive their dialysis locally rather than travel up to 50 kms to other sites."
"This will give these patients better certainty and give them some of their life back."
A big thank you goes to all the staff, volunteers, performers and service providers that assisted with the planning and running of this highly appreciated event, and of course, thanks to Wendy Davis and her team for their dedicated contribution.