Hearts across Brimbank skipped a beat at the weekend when the state government announced an $11 million cardiology unit for Sunshine Hospital.
The new facility will include a second CT scanner and an electrophysiology lab where patients with an irregular heartbeat can be tested, diagnosed and treated.
Construction will start in September, with the new facility expected to be open by early next year.
Meanwhile, Keilor MP Natalie Hutchins has called for a 24-hour GP clinic in Sunshine to alleviate the strain on Sunshine Hospital’s emergency department.
Ms Hutchins says many Brimbank residents are flooding Sunshine’s emergency department after hours with minor complaints that could be treated by a GP.
State government data shows that 17,631 people presented at Sunshine Hospital’s emergency department from January to March this year. More than 12,000 were category four and five patients, including patients with mild bleeding, sprained ankles, possible bone fractures and minor aches and pains.
“[In these cases] a doctor could administer the same treatment as a hospital,” Ms Hutchins said.
The Labor MP said a GP clinic and the proposed $550 million redevelopment of the Sunshine and Western hospitals would make for a more efficient emergency department at Sunshine.
LeadWest chief executive Craig Rowley said urgent action was needed.
But state Health Minister David Davis said Labor had had 11 years in government to set up a 24-hour GP clinic.
