VIC: Premier jeered by protesters at hospital launch

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-1999
VIC: Premier jeered by protesters at hospital launch

Victorian Premier JEFF KENNETT has been jeered by AIDS activists after opening a new $9.1
million emergency centre at the Alfred Hospital.

Protesters angered at delays in building a new palliative care unit in inner suburban
Prahran thumped on the glass doors of the new trauma centre where Mr KENNETT made his address.

MARK RILEY from the Victorian AIDS Council says the Alfred committed to building the
Continuing Care Unit for patients three years ago with a grant of $2.4 million.

He's blamed poor planning by the Inner and Eastern Healthcare network for repeated delays,
even though the hospital has bought the land in Prahran.

Health Minister ROB KNOWLES says the unit will be completed by August next year.

Alfred chief executive Dr MICHAEL WALSH says the hospital's new emergency centre will
reduce waiting times while treating the most severe level of illness.

AAP RTV pjb/imc/jmt

KEYWORD: AIDS KENNETT (MELBOURNE)

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