Epworth hospital deal

DELIVERED: David Davis, centre. watches as Epworth HealthCare's Alan Kinkade and BArwon Health chief David Ashbridge sign the hospital agreement. 129806 Picutre: Reg Ryan

A private hospital will deliver public health care to southern Geelong in a deal with State Government.
The opposition labelled the arrangement with Epworth HealthCare a broken promise but the Government said it had delivered on its pledge to provide public services at Waurn Ponds.
Epworth HealthCare would provide the services in tandem with its $277 million private hospital, to be built at Deakin University.
Health Minister David Davis said the arrangement meant more money for Geelong’s existing public hospital in Ryrie St.
“The Waurn Ponds Community Hospital will complement the expanded health services being delivered to the Geelong community, including the major expansion at University Hospital Geelong.”
“This is an historic deal that will ensure that public patients in Geelong’s south-west will be able to access timely first class care, closer to home.
“The Napthine Government has driven a hard bargain to get the best-value outcome for the community.”