THE Future Health Hub partnership between Peninsula Health and Monash University has received a shot in the arm from the federal government, with Dunkley MP Chris Crewther and Health Minister Greg Hunt jointly announcing $32 million for the aged care and mental health project.
The budget boost for the partnership was announced alongside a $10 million injection into the paediatric emergency centre at Frankston Hospital.
The Health Futures Hub project has received bipartisan support from both major federal parties.
Mr Hunt said “this funding will help deliver new research and treatment programs for our elderly and those with addiction and mental health issues, backed by new state of the art physical and data infrastructure at Frankston Hospital and the neighbouring Monash Peninsula campus for the Health Futures Hub.
“This will mean that the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston communities will see the direct benefit from research that is undertaken in their community, for their community.”
Mr Crewther said “in the last five years emergency department presentations to the Frankston emergency department have grown by over 20 per cent.”
“Providing a dedicated emergency department for children will enable the emotional needs of sick and injured children to be met and ensures they are protected from the stressful situations that occur in emergency departments.
“This investment will improve the emergency department experience of children and their families, improve waiting times and ensure that children receive high quality care in the right place at the right time.”
Frankston mayor Cr Michael O’Reilly said “improving the availability and accessibility of facilities and programs to support mental health and drug and alcohol dependent clients in the region is a priority of council and local organisations including Peninsula Health, Monash University Peninsula Campus, and Frankston Private Hospital.”
“We continue to work closely with these key organisations and all levels of government to ensure the provision of services and programs meet the future needs of the community. Council thanks the Federal Government and Federal Opposition for their commitment towards delivering this ground-breaking service.”
Dunkley Labor candidate Peta Murphy promised $21 million towards the partnership if Labor wins government at the May election.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 2 April 2019
