The Somerville Business Group has raised concerns that a promised Medicare Urgent Care Clinic for Somerville may be shifted to Hastings, urging the Federal Government to stand by its original commitment.
The call follows reports that recent government tenders appear to favour Hastings as the proposed location, despite earlier announcements pointing to Somerville. Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie noted the change in focus on her Facebook page on Friday morning.
Read: Somerville Could Be Short-Changed Again as Urgent Care Clinic Shifted to Hastings
Population and access concerns
The Somerville Business Group argues that Somerville has both a greater population reach and fewer bulk billing options compared with Hastings.
According to the 2021 Census, Somerville and its surrounding catchment areas — including Pearcedale, Langwarrin South, Baxter, Moorooduc, Tyabb and Mt Eliza — represent more than 40,000 people. By comparison, Hastings and its surrounds amount to just over 25,000.
Local representatives also point out that Hastings already has five bulk billing clinics, while Somerville has only three medical clinics in total, with limited bulk billing services.
“Surely the town with the larger population reach and lesser number of clinics deserves to have this Federal Government commitment honoured as soon as possible,” said David Livingstone, Secretary of the Somerville Business Group.
Community impact
The group said a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Somerville would not only provide much-needed health services but also attract visitors, support local businesses and boost the town’s economy.
Somerville residents are being encouraged to voice their support directly on Ms McKenzie’s Facebook page to strengthen the case for keeping the clinic in Somerville.
The Business Group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Somerville as a place to “shop, work, invest and play,” while pressing for equal access to government-funded health services.
Why not have an urgent care clinic in Somerville AND Hastings?
Somerville is a short drive to Frankston Hospital while Hastings provides medical care to the whole Western Port region.
Even better – why not build a Western Port Community Hospital at Hastings (like at Cranbourne) and take pressure off Frankston Hospital?