The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has renewed calls for a standalone hospice facility to be built in the Latrobe Valley.
With just five dedicated palliative care beds at Latrobe Regional Health, Mr Cameron said Valley residents were once again being short-changed by the Allan Labor Government.
“Five palliative care beds for a region with a population of more than 80,000 is completely inadequate,” Mr Cameron said.
“There is a huge need for more palliative care services in the Valley and a standalone hospice facility would allow people to die with the dignity and care they deserve.”
Mr Cameron recently wrote to Minister for Health, Maryanne Thomas, requesting a meeting to discuss the state of palliative care in the region – a request that was ignored.
“The state government contributed $5 million towards a standalone hospice in Geelong, but the Minister has refused to entertain the idea of helping establish a similar facility in the Valley,” he said.
“Latrobe City Council has asked the state government to work with them to find a suitable location for a palliative care, to no avail.
“Even the Latrobe Health Advocate – appointed by Labor – implored the state government to build a dedicated hospice.
“The Minister claims she is “committed to ensuring all Victorians… can receive the essential palliative care they need” but has ignored all evidence that proves Valley residents do not have access to the care they need.
“I’m again calling on the Minister to meet with me and discuss the dire need for a dedicated palliative care facility in the Latrobe Valley.”
