Q What is all this talk about Western Health being redeveloped?
A. The Western Health catchment extends from the inner suburbs of Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley to the rapidly growing urban developments of Melton, Caroline Springs and Werribee. During the next decade, population growth throughout the catchment is forecast to be well above average, particularly in the age group over 65. By 2016, it is forecast that an additional 109 000 people will live in the catchment. At present, most of Western Health's services are located in the eastern part of the catchment. This has the potential to limit access to health services for residents living further in the west. It will become increasingly important to improve access to Western Health's services for people living in the population growth corridors.
Q What is the redevelopment process?
A. The process is a partnership between the Department of Human Services and Western Health to design, and deliver the best possible healthcare option for the West. DHS and Western Health then submit the options to State Treasury for consideration in the Budget cycle.
Q. What is a master plan?
A. A master plan is the thorough investigation of all options in the planning of the development of a facility (hospital) or health service. It takes into consideration a number of factors: local community profile and population changes; the demand for services; the current state of the facilities being considered for development; and trends in health care. A master plan answers, at a high level questions about what services can be delivered on a particular site and how these services might relate to each other.
Q How are decisions about future service provision being made?
A. Through consultation with staff, other health services and the community. The health trends in the west, and the best practice models of care which will suit the changing needs of the western region of Melbourne, are continually reviewed.
Q Has government committed the funding for the redevelopment?
A. The State Government announced in the 2007/08 Budget that $20 million had been allocated to redevelop and expand the Sunshine Hospital.
Q Will patient care be affected during a redevelopment?
A Every effort will be made to minimise the impact on patients and their carers, however some changes to services could be expected during the building phase of the project. All efforts will be made to ensure the transition go as smoothly as possible.
Q How will patients/community groups/staff be consulted during the project?
Staff - Western Health has begun a series of staff meetings to keep staff up to date with the process. Western Health Weekly (the weekly staff newsletter), and the intranet are constantly updated with the latest project developments.
Patients - Bedside reading material will be provided to keep patients updated. Western Health's profile in the local media will also help to ensure awareness of any changes and inform people of possible impact.
Community Groups - Community groups will be involved in a consultation strategy that is currently being developed. They will have maximum opportunity for input.
Q Will there be future opportunities to be involved in the redevelopment project? When?
Staff - All staff can be involved in the project. There are already a number of user groups representing different staff needs and the number of these will be extended.
Community - Community groups will be involved in a consultation strategy that is currently being developed. They will have maximum opportunity for input.
