By ALANA MITCHELSON
CONSTRUCTION for the new Pakenham Health Hub is due to begin next month.
The $6.2 million joint State Government and Cardinia Shire Council project, in partnership with Monash Health, would provide child, family and maternity services as well as youth and mental health supports.
Located at the former council civic offices site in Henty Way, the community-based Health Hub would feature more than 35 health services and 21 general consulting rooms.
Accessible services would include counselling, diagnostic imaging, outpatient specialist clinics, pathology, two rehabilitation gyms, a mobility garden and a pharmacy.
A council spokesperson said the Pakenham Health Hub would provide a range of services that address the community’s health needs in a convenient and central location.
“This will mean many local residents will be able to access health services within Cardinia Shire, instead of having to leave the shire as is currently the case,” the spokesperson said.
“Working with the community Monash Health has conducted extensive analyses of the existing and anticipated health needs of Cardinia Shire residents. The services which will be provided from the hub reflect these needs.”
Health Minister Jill Hennessy said health hubs brought together a range of health and community services under one roof.
“We want to ensure Victorians can get the care they need, when they need it, and health hubs are a great way to provide health services to local communities,” Ms Hennessy said.
“It will ensure services are better co-ordinated, more efficient and more convenient for locals.”
A council spokesperson said that during the construction process, Henty Way would be closed to all traffic but the walking tracks in the nearby area would remain open.
Construction is expected to be completed early next year and the site is due to open by March.
