By Laura Michell
Labor has pledged to build a children’s emergency department at The Northern Hospital if it wins Saturday’s state election.
The hospital will be one of five to have its emergency department reconfigured or expanded to create a dedicated children’s space.
Close to 20,000 children are treated each year at The Northern Hospital’s emergency department.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the children’s emergency department would provide a welcoming and less clinical environment for children, making their hospital experience a bit easier to manage.
“As a parent, I know there’s nothing more terrifying than when your child gets sick,” he said. “Our hospitals do a great job, but tailored emergency departments will make sure kids get the best care.”
Northern Hospital paediatrics clinical director David Tran said the revamped department would make a difference to children and their families.
“[The] Northern Hospital emergency department is currently the busiest in Victoria,” Dr Tran said. “We welcome any announcement that provides additional resources to better care for children and families in our emergency department.”
The children’s emergency department is proposed to be completed by 2022. It follows Labor’s pledge earlier this month to build community hospitals in Craigieburn and the City of Whittlesea.
Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said the pledge would mean families wouldn’t have to travel to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“With the amount of growth in the north, the investment into dedicated emergency departments is definitely needed,” she said.
MORE NORTHERN ELECTION NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/news/police-to-open-shop-at-craigieburn-central-if-coalition-wins-election/
www.starweekly.com.au/news/labor-pledges-new-bus-from-craigieburn-to-mernda-via-wollert/
