Joint Statement - Proposed closure of Brighton hospital a major blow for the community

Joint Statement – Proposed closure of Brighton hospital a major blow for the community

James Newbury, Member for Brighton

Georgie Crozier, Shadow Minister for Health

28 June 2023.

Victoria’s largest not-for-profit private hospital group, Epworth, has announced it is considering closing its Brighton hospital site, a centre point for rehabilitation services in the Southern region since 2003.

Epworth has confirmed the commencement of an internal ‘consultation’ process with staff and doctors, that will consider closure of the site, with a final confirmation on closure to be made by August this year. Should the closure be confirmed, Epworth intends to close the site in June next year.

Victorian private hospitals play a key role in ensuring that our community has access to the best possible care when it is needed most, yet the Andrews Government’s mismanagement of Victoria’s health system has put enormous pressure on our smaller health services.

Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, said the health system operates best when both the public and private system work together.

“Our private hospital system has been at the forefront of providing Victorians with the best healthcare in the nation,” Ms Crozier said.

“Daniel Andrews’ decisions, including most recently a massive increase in WorkCover premiums, continue to put more pressure on the private system, which only worsens the crisis in the public health system.”

“Victorians deserve a choice and they need a high quality private and public health system to support and provide for the future health needs of Victorians.”

Member for Brighton, James Newbury, said closure of the Brighton hospital would remove another key service for local residents.

“Epworth Brighton has been a treasured service for my community and the broader Southern region,” Mr Newbury said.

“On behalf of the community, I call on the Andrews Government to support our high-quality private hospital system to ensure they can continue to provide wonderful service to the region now and into the future.”

James Newbury, Member for Brighton

Georgie Crozier, Shadow Minister for Health