Ms Cleeland would like the money to be used to boost elective surgery capacity and make a second theatre operational in line with current infection control protocols.
The Victorian Government has funded a second operating theatre, but the cost of the project has exceeded its initial budget.
Seymour Health has 11 visiting surgeons with the theatre operational four days a week. Ms Cleeland said this could be boosted with more funding.
“With some further government assistance Seymour Health could have their second operating theatre up and running and place downward pressure on the elective surgery wait list,” Ms Cleeland said.
Mr Hearn believes that despite the recent investment, more is required to match the diversification of needs created by population growth in the region, particularly around mental health.
Mr Hearn believes that mental health care should be a priority in the seat of Euroa. He hopes that with more funding, individuals facing mental ill health do not have to travel outside of their town for the treatment they need.
“Our mental health triage for young people that are suffering mental ill health crisis is in Box Hill, so the north-east is all being funnelled into the beds in Box Hill which are not enough; and outside of their home towns,” Mr Hearn said.
“As a therapist I’m really passionate that people can seek mental health support here in the country and that they don’t have to travel or pay exorbitant fees to seek professional health when they need it.”
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