Frankston Hospital: a bold vision for a world-leading health precinct

Letter to the editor – By Fred Harrison
Published in both the Frankston Times and Frankston Standard on 10 December 2017

World-class medical precinct

THE proposed $250 million redevelopment of Frankston Hospital with dedicated clinical teaching and research areas in partnership with Monash University is fantastic news for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.  The project proposed by Peninsula Health and announced at its annual meeting last week will create 1000 jobs including 500 long-term jobs for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and administration staff.

Imagine the benefits for our region?

Our region’s population will increase by 50 per cent in the next 30 years. But job growth lags well behind: our area has fewer than 28 local jobs per 100 residents.  A medical precinct would lead the region’s future economic prosperity and job growth.  Health and education are two of our biggest employers. With investment, both sectors can create many new jobs including long-term, well-paid ones.

The project also will ensure residents, especially older people and those with serious illnesses, have access to quality healthcare without travelling to Melbourne.  We can have a world-leading medical precinct to tackle important age-related health issues, chronic conditions, and social health issues.  The region is uniquely placed to drive and benefit from research into age-related health issues as the peninsula has the second-highest elderly population in Victoria. More than 30 per cent of residents are over 60, almost twice the metropolitan average.
Our region has a large population, and deserves healthcare that can fulfil most medical needs except perhaps trauma and neurology.

I look forward to a time when specialist doctors are based here and travel to Melbourne to consult rather than the other way round.

Now we need all levels of government to support redevelopment plans. I urge both the Andrews Government and the Matthew Guy-led Opposition to commit to this vital investment.
With proper investment and support, Frankston Hospital and Monash University’s Peninsula campus and will form the hub of a vibrant and integrated health, business and education precinct.

Fred Harrison, president, Committee for Greater Frankston

For further information download Peninsula Health’s World-Class Hospital Brochure  or watch the official announcement clip