The decision taken to close down a surgical ward of the Box Hill Hospital has aroused controversies. The nursing staff of the Hospital is fearful that the closure would also lead to retrenchment. However, Health Minister David Davis has assured that the closure won’t affect the staff.

While addressing the concerns of the nurses, David Davis said care provided to patients won’t be affected by its decision to close the ward. It has further been revealed that the impact of closure would be replaced by the “hospital in the home” scheme.

David believes that this move would increase the capacity of the hospitals to provide treatment to patients with emergency. The government is doing all to improve the health services provided to patients.

This year, about $20 million will be invested by the government, which will be invested on $447 million project of redeveloping the hospitals and constructing 11 new surgery wards and 18 intensive care units.

There are a number of hospitals which are going through closures and reduction in beds. The Opposition party has used the opportunity to attack the government. The Opposition have accused the government of spending too much of money.

While, defending itself, the government said, “The Opposition accuses us of spending like a drunken sailor in the past but that money has been spent on doctors and nurses. Can Jeremy Rockliff tell us which one of these doctors and nurses we should not have employed?”

It will be revealed later whether or not the decision of closing down the ward would help the government in improving the health services being provided to patients. However, the need of the hour is to address the stress of the nurses. The Australian Nursing Federation Victorian Branch is planning to take some action against the hospitals for closing wards and causing stress to the nurses.