By Laura Michell
Families of patients travelling long distances for treatment at The Northern Hospital can now stay close by.
The Northern Health Foundation has built a house in Wollert that provides emergency accommodation for families.
According to Northern Health, more than 1000 patients each year travel more than
80 kilometres to access treatment at the hospital.
Families from rural areas will be given priority.
Northern Health chief executive Siva Sivarajah said families of patients often needed to follow their loved one to hospital, leaving them needing accommodation in Melbourne during an already stressful time.
“We understand how difficult it can be for families when their loved ones are in hospital,” he said.
“Our new accommodation will provide much-needed relief and support for families travelling from rural areas, keeping them closer to their loved ones in their time of need.”
The three-bedroom house in Wollert is fully equipped and is available at no direct cost to families accessing it.
It was built with the help of philanthropic trusts, donors and corporate supporters.
