PORT Fairy-based state upper house MP James Purcell will lead a well qualified team in the fight to gain funding for the stage two redevelopment of South West Healthcare (SWH).
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Mr Purcell is the chair of the advisory committee that will push for the $105 million funding from the state government to complete the project.
He has been joined on the committee by SWH acting CEO Craig Fraser, SWH board member Russell Worland, Peter's Project chairman Peter Headen and Peter's Project campaigner Vicki Jellie.
The full committee was announced by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews during a visit last Friday to open the new community health centre in Port Fairy.
Mr Purcell said the Premier has a long association with the SWH redevelopment, having held the role of health minister when stage one funding was allocated.
He said the committee was established to complete the development of a master plan, feasibility study, tender documentation and other components to make the project shovel ready.
"I have been working with the government to secure funding for this project for some time,” Mr Purcell said.
“Securing the $7.5 million required for planning in the May budget was a vital first step in completing the stage two development.
"We take this opportunity to thank him for his commitment to health services in our region back then, and for seeing the project through with additional funding now.
"This committee will be charged with securing the remaining $105 million required to complete stage two of the expansion, which will include additional theatre and emergency department capacity, as well as refurbishment of the multi-storey block, short-stay unit, pathology and radiology.”
Mr Purcell said the community health centre in Port Fairy was an impressive facility.
I have been working with the government to secure funding for this project for some time.
- James Purcell
“Modern and integrated healthcare facilities like this have an enormously positive impact on the health outcomes and wellbeing of our community,” Mr Purcell said.
“The local community has worked hard fundraising for this project and they should be very proud to see such a great outcome. The urgent care centre will be the icing on the cake. It will address the current structural and functional building and improve critical patient care.”