Mernda Community Hospital officially opened its doors on November 22, 2023, welcoming its first patients two days later on November 24. Located at 35 Flourmill Drive, the hospital aims to provide a new model of healthcare tailored to the community’s needs, reducing the necessity for visits to larger urban hospitals.
During the opening ceremony, Mary-Anne Thomas, the Health Minister, emphasized the importance of the hospital in fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. “This is a new model of care, to meet the everyday healthcare needs of the community, without needing to go to a big, busy, major hospital,” she stated.
The hospital will operate from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, offering a range of services including dental, pathology, allied health, respiratory, allergy, and pediatric care. Thomas expressed particular enthusiasm about the provision of pediatric services, including assessments for conditions such as ADHD and autism.
While the hospital does not feature an emergency department, the nearest major facility, the Northern Hospital, is located 10 kilometers away in Epping. Thomas clarified the decision not to include emergency services, citing a lack of operating theatres. She remarked, “Community hospitals are designed to take pressure off of our biggest hospitals.”
Welcoming the Community
“To our mob in the area, this hospital is here for you, your health… and wellbeing matter,”
said Karen Bryant, senior liaison officer of Northern Health’s Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unit, during the opening. She performed an acknowledgment of Country, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to serving Aboriginal locals and addressing their specific health care challenges.
In a symbolic gesture, Luke Edwards, a Bangerang, Murri Murri, and Wiradjuri man, presented Bryant with traditional Aboriginal medicines, which could be used in future ceremonies.
Debra Bourne, the chief executive of Northern Health, noted that the hospital is responding to the rapid growth of the Mernda area. “We are really proud to serve this rapidly growing community,” she stated.
Plans are in place for the hospital to expand its services in the new year, with the introduction of renal and mental health services, followed by urgent care and imaging capabilities. Thomas highlighted the importance of strategic planning to ensure a smooth transition for healthcare staff, indicating that many local workers are eager to contribute closer to home.
This new healthcare facility represents a significant step in improving medical access for residents, reflecting a broader commitment to community-focused healthcare in the region.
