Victorian Minister for Health opens Cranbourne Community Hospital

Also joining them from Monash Health was Andrea Rindt Chief Operating Officer, Stuart Cavill Divisional Director Hospitals and Clinics and Matt Mahon Director Communication and Engagement, showing the Minister and local Members of Parliament around the site.

The Minister met with one of the community hospital’s first patients, Noelene, a Cranbourne local who has been undergoing dialysis with Monash Health. ‘I’ve been on dialysis for 2 years now,’ Noelene said. ‘When I used to go to Clayton [for treatment], my daughters used to get up and drive me and one used to come and pick me up which…was really hard.’

Noelene received treatment at Casey Hospital as well. ‘Casey was pretty good, it was only 20 minutes’ drive but this is five minutes, which means I don’t have to get up so early and don’t have to go in the traffic as much. It’s really handy.’

The Minister and local Members of Parliament were taken through the day surgery recovery area on level 2, then through dental on level 1 and finally on the ground floor through the mental health area and dialysis. The dialysis service operates on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and the Minister was able to see patients receiving care and to speak with members of the team about what this new service will mean for patients and the local community.

Monash Health’s Capital and Infrastructure team led the design, planning and construction of the new facility, which impressed visitors with its bright and open features.

Services at Cranbourne Community Hospital will open in stages, with the first being dialysis, the pharmacy, pathology and adult mental health, followed with the first patients being admitted into day surgery.