NEWS DESK
Government’s $10m injection for hospital
FLINDERS MP Greg Hunt was back at The Bays Hospital, Mornington last week signing off on the federal government’s $10 million promise for a “comprehensive cancer centre”. The money, announced by Mr Hunt in the lead up to the May federal election, will go towards “a new multi-storey centre on the current hospital footprint in Mornington to provide the local community with world class comprehensive cancer care and support”. The hospital must now raise $10m to match the government’s contribution. “Every day, doctors and nurses here at The Bays are striving to improve community health on the Peninsula,” Mr Hunt, who is also health minister, said. “This agreement gives The Bays the ability to continue their development of world class treatment and research facilities, for the benefit of the local community.” “Funding encompassing radiation oncology, clinical trials laboratory, consulting suites, and meeting education and support areas for patients affected by cancer, will help The Bays continue to save lives and protect lives.” The news release issued by Mr Hunt’s office quoted the hospital’s CEO Elena Allen, as saying the new centre would help “improve outcomes for patients and their families”. In April, Ms Allen was “fully optimistic” the new centre could up and running in 18 months to two years if the hospital could raise another $10 million (“Bringing cancer treatment closer to home” The News 1/4/19). “Care provided close to home improves patient outcomes and reduces anxiety for the patient and their family. Patients will now have access to a treatment plan in one location at The Bays incorporating; diagnostic, medical and surgical intervention,” Ms Allen said. Consulting medical oncologist Dr Muhammad Alamgeer said “the real revolution of cancer care since the discovery of chemotherapy has been the practice of personalised care, which means matching the latest treatments to individual patient characteristics”. Peter Wickenden from The Bays Board of Directors added: “We’re excited about extending our oncology services; this project is a significant step for us to meet the growth in demand for cancer care and related services in the community.” Keith Platt
Libs to ‘preserve region’ FLUSH with success after seeing Greg Hunt returned as MP for Flinders at the May federal election, but still smarting over losing the state seat of Nepean to Labor’s Chris Brayne in November, the Liberal Party is holding a “community forum” on “preserving the region for our future generations”. The free event in August is being held at Peppers Moonah Links Resort, Fingal and will be addressed by such luminaries as deputy Liberal Party leader and opposition spokesperson for education, youth affairs and regional cities, Eildon MP, Cindy McLeish; Southern Metropolitan MP David Davis, who is the opposition leader in the Upper House and opposition spokesperson for education, youth affairs and regional cities, public transport, transport infrastructure, equality, federal-state relations, priority precincts and the arts; and, Senator James Paterson. The invitation to the discussion from journalist Debra Mar, of the Nepean Liberals’ community support and engagement team, says Senator Paterson, is “one of the rising stars of our new federal team … [who] will impress you with his intellect and deep grasp of national policy and strategic issues”. The free “community forum” is on Saturday 3 August. Bookings at www.trybooking.com/ BDIIG
Free health checks
Signing off: Deputy director of The Bays Hospital board of directors Peter Wickenden and Flinders MP Greg Hunt sign the agreement giving the hospital $10 million towards a new cancer centre. Picture: Supplied
PERSONNEL leaving the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and now living in the Mornington Peninsula are now eligible for five annual free health checks from a GP. “We here on the peninsula see the hard work of our current defence personnel first hand at HMAS Cerberus and I encourage all veterans living here on the peninsula ... to book in for their veteran health check if they haven’t already,” Flinders MP Greg Hunt said. For mental health support and counselling call the Veterans and Family Counselling Service on 1800 011 046; for details about health checks, visit the AT-Ease website or call 1800 555 254.
Mornington News
2 July 2019
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