Bellarine Community Health (BCH) has faced further anger at a second community forum in Ocean Grove as it also opened community consultation on a multi-million dollar master plan for its Point Lonsdale facility.
The forums were held after a recent Department of Health and Human Services review ordered BCH to develop a service plan for the Bellarine Peninsula and implement a comprehensive engagement strategy including a community advisory committee.
The review followed community objections to the sale of residential aged care service Ann Nichol House and the closure of Coorabin House.
“The aim of these public forums has been to help the community understand the review findings as well as give people an opportunity to voice their concerns,” said board chair Hazel Ingram.
“We have publicly acknowledged that our engagement with the community over the decision to sell our aged care facilities was inadequate.
“We hope these forums have shown our commitment to actioning the improvements identified in the review.
“At both our community forums we’ve discussed how this new committee is a chance for the community to get involved, have a say and provide future recommendations to the board.”
BCH proposes to replace its Point Lonsdale facilities with a new $7 million health centre.
The project includes 66 double-storey independent living townhouses, an underground car park, a lap pool, a cafe, a hairdresser and a function room.
Private investment would foot the bill of $35 million to $40 million.
BCH chief John Fendyk said the proposal ensured modern facilities for the next 20 years without the need for further upgrades.
“Building alongside the existing medical centre is likely to be a slower, more expensive and potentially disruptive exercise,” Mr Fendyk said.
“Building on a new site would allow minimal disruption to services, minimise the risk to patient safety and allow for a smooth transition.”
Mr Fendyk said the community had raised concerns about the size and scale of the units and their need in Point Lonsdale.
“This master plan is a starting point. We’ve commissioned financial and market modelling to determine whether this is a financially sustainable model.
“We also have to undertake arborist, cultural heritage and ground water reports before we take the master plan any further.
“Across the sector we’re seeing community health increasingly adopt revenue generating streams to futureproof itself against funding shortfalls.
“We’re now looking at whether the proposed units provide a model for potential income for BCH.”
