Shepparton has reached a major milestone in regional healthcare, with the first public cochlear implant surgical service delivered outside of metropolitan Melbourne now operating at GV Health in partnership with the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, but this is still more that needs to be done.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe emphasised how the new service marks a significant step in improving access to life changing hearing care for people across the Goulburn Valley and broader regional Victoria.
“Until now, patients eligible for cochlear implants were required to travel to Melbourne for both surgery and early follow-up care. For many older residents, people with mobility issues, time restraints and families facing financial pressures, the travel barrier made access extremely difficult,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“This is a big achievement for our region and an example of what can be achieved when expert clinical partnerships and strong regional healthcare capability come together.”
Ms O’Keeffe recently reinforced that the region still faces major gaps in specialised health care services and renewed her call to the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, for strong State Government investment in a fully Integrated Cancer Centre, including on-site radiothreapy at GV Health.
“We are the only regional hospital that does not have an Integrated Cancer Center including radiotherapy.
“Regional patients should not have to travel hours each day to Melbourne or Bendigo for radiotherapy. The Goulburn Valley deserves the same access to comprehensive cancer treatment as metropolitan communities,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“This is the next stage of GV Health’s redevelopment but there has been no commitment to complete this critical stage.
“The demand for cancer centre services continues to rise and that GV Health’s growing role as a major regional health hub desperately needs to be able to provide this service.
“A fully equipped Integrated Cancer Centre at GV Health – with radiotherapy included – would provide earlier treatment, better outcomes, less stress for families, and fairer access for regional and rural Victorians.
“The Allan Labor Government needs to prioritise health and provide our community with the hospital infrastructure and health services that we desperately need.”
