A NEW breast imaging suite at Frankston Hospital has been named after the former MP for Dunkley, the late Peta Murphy, who died from cancer last December.
The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan today joined Murphy’s family at the opening of the Peta Murphy Breast Imaging Suite on Saturday 3 February.
“Peta took great pride in the Labor Party’s role in the story of Australia’s public health system. It is so fitting that this wonderful addition bears her name,” Albanese said.
“Thanks to Peta’s advocacy, the women of Dunkley have a new quality service close to home. A proud part of a proud legacy.”
Financed by the state government, the $4.5 million suite will be Peninsula Health’s first comprehensive public diagnostic breast imaging service encompassing mammography, ultrasound, biopsy, and localising services for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
Staff at the suite will deliver about 2400 mammograms a year, supporting the estimated 6.3 per cent of Victorians diagnosed with breast cancer each year who live in the region – offering internal and community-based referrals to eliminate the need for day-of-surgery transfers.
The suite will also help address the increasing demand for breast imaging services and to reduce the current waiting list at Monash Health in Clayton.
A $1.1 billion redevelopment of Frankston Hospital due to be completed in late 2025, includes a new clinical services tower, 130 extra beds, new mental health and oncology spaces, expanded women’s and children’s areas and 15 new operating theatres.
First published in the Mornington News – 13 February 2024
