Promises spring to life

ANGLISS Hospital looks like it will be a winner regardless of which party emerges victorious from the federal election.
Health Minister Daniel Andrews announced on Saturday 14 August that the State Government would provide an extra 10 sub-acute beds to the Angliss as part of its health partnership with the Gillard government.
La Trobe Liberal candidate Jason Wood two days later announced an identical commitment from the Coalition. Both sides of politics have pledged $5.7 million to Eastern Health for 30 sub-acute beds – 10 at the Angliss and another 20 at Maroondah Hospital.
Mr Andrews said the money would only be delivered under a Gillard Labor government.
But Mr Wood said: “Labor has failed our local community on health after making big promises during the 2007 federal election.”
“This funding would provide real action to address hospital access issues where the State and Federal Labor governments have failed,” he said.
Eastern Health community and mental health continuing care executive director Neth Hinton welcomed the announcements.
“It is great that both the Federal and State governments acknowledge the importance of sub-acute care,” she said.
– Russell Bennett
“This commitment will allow us to continue to deliver excellent patient care for our local community.”