Tuesday, 16 May 2023

 Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (13:33): Last Friday was International Nurses Day, and a few weeks prior we celebrated international midwives day. I rise to acknowledge and celebrate the hardworking nurses and midwives across Victoria but especially those who serve at the Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to these dedicated healthcare professionals, who go above and beyond to care for their patients. Their commitment to patient care and professionalism has been even more pronounced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.

I am pleased to share that the Angliss Hospital redevelopment project stage 2 early works have commenced with the demolition of the old nursing home, and the architects have just been appointed. These works will deliver a new multistorey building with 32 inpatient beds, four operating theatres, a new entrance, a central sterile supply department and outpatient and allied health capabilities. This will create a modern, state-of-the-art healthcare facility that will better serve the people of my electorate of Monbulk and the outer east more broadly.

Whilst I am here I do urge all people in Monbulk to please support our hardworking emergency department nurses, doctors and staff by attending the priority primary care centres wherever and whenever appropriate. These priority primary care centres provide GP-led care to people who need urgent care but not an emergency response. Each PPCC is partnered with a busy emergency department. I would encourage all my constituents to consider our nearest ones in Narre Warren or Bayswater. I personally experienced their exceptional service last week when my daughter broke her arm late on Tuesday night. The service was incredible, and there was no wait time. So once again, I extend my sincerest gratitude to them all.