Mernda Community Hospital welcomed its first patients on the morning of Monday 24 November.
The hospital was officially opened on Saturday 22 November by Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, who said the hospital is a warm and welcoming environment.
“This is a new model of care, to meet the everyday healthcare needs of the community, without needing to go to a big, busy, major hospital,” Ms Thomas said.
The hospital will be open from 8am-5pm Monday to Friday, at 35 Flourmill Drive, Mernda.
Northern Health operates the hospital which will offer dental, pathology, allied health, respiratory, allergy and paediatric services.
“I am particularly excited about… the commitment to deliver paediatric services … and assessments for ADHD and autism,” Ms Thomas said.
The hospital does not have an emergency department, the nearest hospital for life-threatening injuries is the Northern Hospital in Epping, 10km away from Mernda.
Ms Thomas said the community hospital does not have an emergency department because there are no theatres available.
“Community hospitals are… designed to take pressure off of our biggest hospitals,” Ms Thomas said.
Northern Health’s Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unit senior liaison officer Karen Bryant did an acknowledgement of Country, and welcomed Aboriginal locals to the hospital.
“I see everyday the challenges that our mob face navigating health systems,” Ms Bryant said.
“To our mob in the area, this hospital is here for you, your health… and wellbeing matter.”
Luke Edwards, a Bangerang, Mutti Mutti, Wiradjeri man, gave Ms Bryant a gift of native, traditional Aboriginal medicines that he said could be used in a future smoking ceremony.
Northern Health chief executive Debra Bourne said the hospital is responding to continued growth in the area.
“We are really proud to serve this rapidly growing community,” Ms Bourne said.
In a statement, the state government said in the new year the hospital will deliver renal and mental health services, which will later be followed by urgent care and imaging.
Ms Thomas said planning is important to ensure a smooth transition of staff.
“There are many healthcare workers who live locally… looking forward to… work[ing] closer to home,” she said.
