Our new hospital will enjoy a pivot away from a management driven by profit making, to one driven by patient care – 20 years after the failed privatisation experiment imposed on us by the Kennett Government.
A truly public, community and patient-centred hospital is here. To stay.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The path to privatisation and back to public management was a long and arduous one, spanning over 20 years.
Scroll through our timeline to see how it happened, and the people who fought along the away.
The Kennett Government oversees drastic cuts to public hospital funding.
Many are closed.
1999
The government announces plans to fully privatise Mildura Base and other hospitals, Including La Trobe and the Austin.
Mildura community opposes the plan.
Privatisation proceeds.
Contract signed with Ramsay Health Care to operate Mildura Base Hospital until 2015.
Building to be constructed and owned by Motor Trades Association.
1999
Ramsay Health Care takes over.
2000
Ramsay attempts to hand hospital back to Victorian Government following two years of operational losses.
Bracks Government refuses request.
2005
Local Surgeon Dr Kevin Chambers blows the whistle on chronic staffing and safety issues.
Dr Chambers warns community of the upcoming government decision to renew the Ramsay contract.
2011
Reclaim the Base formed.
Community group begins campaign for the return of Mildura Base Hospital to public hands.
Reclaim the Base hosts first public meeting.
700 community members vote unanimously to end failed privatisation experiment.
2012
Reclaim the Base becomes incorporated as an association.
2012
Reclaim the Base holds second public rally.
Cancer patient Ilona Legin delivers powerful story about her adverse experiences at Mildura Base Hospital.
2012
Rally held in Langtree Mall
Rally held in Langtree Mall to highlight loss of the traditional Good Friday Appeal due to privatisation.
Reclaim the Base and supporters travel to Melbourne
Meeting with then Health Minister David Davis to present a petition of 2700 signatures.
Health Minister advises he cannot table the petition...
...because it is addressed to the Legislative Assembly, but refuses to give it back.
Napthine Government purchases Mildura Base Hospital building
Building purchased from Motor Trades Association, but Government extends Ramsay’s management contract for a further 5 years to 2020.
Mildura Hospital Conversation Group formed
Mildura Hospital Conversation Group emerges as a new voice for returning the hospital to public hands.
Andrews Government launches community consultation process regarding the hospital’s future.
2018
Ali Elected
Pro-public hospital campaigner Ali Cupper elected to Victorian Parliament.
Community meeting held at Office of Ali Cupper MP...
...to kick off refreshed campaign for the return of Mildura Base Hospital to public hands.
2019
Ali Cupper MP and Chief of Staff Stephen Parr prepare for first meeting with Health Minister...
...to formally request that the private contract not be renewed.
2019
Survey shows 90%
Victorian Government announces survey results showing 90% of respondents want Mildura Base Hospital returned to public management.
2019
Health Minister visits
Victorian Health Minister visits Mildura to meet with community members and stakeholders regarding Mildura Base Hospital.
2019
IT'S OURS.
Victorian Premier and Health Minister visit Mildura to announce the return of Mildura Base Hospital to public hands.
2019
Community Consultative Committee meets
Newly appointed Community Consultative Committee meets for first time to help shape Government’s Regional Service Review, setting the scene for future Government investment.
2019
Community Board convenes
Newly appointed Community Consultative Committee meets for first time to help shape Government’s Regional Service Review, setting the scene for future Government investment.
2020
History is made.
Victoria’s only privatised, for-profit, public hospital returned to public hands after an epic community fight. Ramsay Health Care leaves the building. Government investment.
2020
1999
The Kennett Government oversees drastic cuts to public hospital funding.
Many are closed.
The government announces plans to fully privatise Mildura Base and other hospitals, Including La Trobe and the Austin.
Mildura community opposes the plan.
1999
Privatisation proceeds.
Contract signed with Ramsay Health Care to operate Mildura Base Hospital until 2015.
Building to be constructed and owned by Motor Trades Association.
2000
Ramsay Health Care takes over.
2005
Ramsay attempts to hand hospital back to Victorian Government following two years of operational losses.
Bracks Government refuses request.
2011
Local Surgeon Dr Kevin Chambers blows the whistle on chronic staffing and safety issues.
Dr Chambers warns community of the upcoming government decision to renew the Ramsay contract.
Reclaim the Base formed.
Community group begins campaign for the return of Mildura Base Hospital to public hands.
2012
Reclaim the Base hosts first public meeting.
700 community members vote unanimously to end failed privatisation experiment.
2012
Reclaim the Base becomes incorporated as an association.
2012
Reclaim the Base holds second public rally.
Cancer patient Ilona Legin delivers powerful story about her adverse experiences at Mildura Base Hospital.
Rally held in Langtree Mall
Rally held in Langtree Mall to highlight loss of the traditional Good Friday Appeal due to privatisation.
Reclaim the Base and supporters travel to Melbourne
Meeting with then Health Minister David Davis to present a petition of 2700 signatures.
Health Minister advises he cannot table the petition...
...because it is addressed to the Legislative Assembly, but refuses to give it back.
Napthine Government purchases Mildura Base Hospital building
Building purchased from Motor Trades Association, but Government extends Ramsay’s management contract for a further 5 years to 2020.
Mildura Hospital Conversation Group formed
Mildura Hospital Conversation Group emerges as a new voice for returning the hospital to public hands.
2018
Andrews Government launches community consultation process regarding the hospital’s future.
Ali Elected
Pro-public hospital campaigner Ali Cupper elected to Victorian Parliament.
2019
Community meeting held at Office of Ali Cupper MP...
...to kick off refreshed campaign for the return of Mildura Base Hospital to public hands.
2019
Ali Cupper MP and Chief of Staff Stephen Parr prepare for first meeting with Health Minister...
...to formally request that the private contract not be renewed.
2019
Survey shows 90%
Victorian Government announces survey results showing 90% of respondents want Mildura Base Hospital returned to public management.
2019
Health Minister visits
Victorian Health Minister visits Mildura to meet with community members and stakeholders regarding Mildura Base Hospital.
2019
IT'S OURS.
Victorian Premier and Health Minister visit Mildura to announce the return of Mildura Base Hospital to public hands.
2019
Community Consultative Committee meets
Newly appointed Community Consultative Committee meets for first time to help shape Government’s Regional Service Review, setting the scene for future Government investment.
2020
Community Board convenes
Newly appointed Community Consultative Committee meets for first time to help shape Government’s Regional Service Review, setting the scene for future Government investment.
2020
History is made.
Victoria’s only privatised, for-profit, public hospital returned to public hands after an epic community fight. Ramsay Health Care leaves the building. Government investment.
