Alexandra hospital meeting this Saturday

A PUBLIC meeting to discuss proposed hospital amalgamations and possible budget cuts is set to be held at the Alexandra Shire Hall on Saturday, June 29 at 9.30am.

It’s understood that there is to be a 30 per cent funding cut at the Yea and District Memorial Hospital (YDMH).

No word has been received as yet regarding any funding cuts to Alexandra District Health. Board members and hospital CEOs have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements.

The speakers are expected to include Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish, Mayor Damien Gallgher, Ray Mathieson, Gordon Simpson and others, with the emcee to be Caolan O’Connor.

A website has also been developed by Alexandra and District Traders and Tourism Association (ADTTA) and you can find out more at alexandratourism.com/projects/hospital

The event follows the Yea meeting about YDMH, held on Saturday, June 22 at the Yea Shire Hall.

There are concerns that if health service amalgamations occur, the Yea and Alexandra hospitals may be run out of Shepparton or an urban health network, without local boards.

Ian and Linda Davis are organising the Alexandra meeting and petitions.

Petitions are being hosted at the Alexandra pharmacy, newsagent, bakery, the two op shops, Grant Street Grocer and Elysian Hair.

There are also petitions at the Thornton and Taggerty General Stores, and in Marysville at the supermarket and bakery.

The locations in Eildon are to be…