Latrobe Regional Health has outlined its plans for expansion in a meeting with Federal Gippsland MP Darren Chester.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Craighead provided an update on its masterplan to grow the hospital and support services, providing more jobs for the Latrobe Valley.
“Health and aged care are some of the most important industries to the Gippsland region, and among the fastest growing due,” Mr Chester said.
“Latrobe Regional Hospital is Gippsland’s busiest hospital, and provides professional care to people throughout the region who might otherwise have to travel to Melbourne for specialist care.
“The current redevelopment is going well and there are plans for a further stage which would create hundreds of long-term local jobs in a wide variety of fields.”
The hospital has plans to become a major research and training facility, setting up links with cancer research centres to bring the latest cancer treatments to Gippsland.
The hospital board has also made a decision to use local contractors wherever possible for its expansion, supporting jobs in the region.
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with LRH CEO Peter Craighead.
