THE Camperdown hospital is set to be better represented at management level with the appointment of Craig Fraser this week to oversee the facility.
Mr Fraser takes on the role after heading up services at Lismore Community Health, Manifold Place and the David Newman Adult Day Centre for the last eight years.
“There was general agreement at management level that Camperdown needed to be better represented with a better line of communication,” he said.
“My role has given me a really good understanding of the district’s health needs and how the services operate, so it made sense for me to take on a similar role at the hospital with regard to acute care.
“There is a massive opportunity for the Camperdown campus to consolidate and improve its services.”
Mr Fraser said Merindah Lodge was a prime example.
“The level of care provided at the lodge is exemplary, it’s second to none.  But the physical state of the building is a real let down.
“Improving the structure would be a great step forward in terms of attracting people to the facility.”
Mr Fraser said particular attention would also be given to the delivery of acute care services at the Camperdown campus.
“My personal vision is to offer more surgery and to ensure that the types of surgery delivered meets the needs of the wider community.”
“We have some great doctors in Camperdown who have ensured a great service at the hospital for the last 35 years, but we need to help recruit more doctors to ensure that level of service can continue.”
Other positives listed for the hospital included the addition of four staff able to provide x-ray services, meaning x-rays are now available at the hospital 24 hours, seven days a week.
Mr Fraiser said the pathology service was also in good stead.
“South West Healthcare’s contract with the pathology provider automatically includes Camperdown – that’s where the leverage of being aligned with the Warrnambool Base Hospital works in Camperdown’s favour,” he said.
“The Camperdown hospital has a strong future, there are no plans to downgrade it in any way.”
Officially titled ‘director of primary, community and regional services, Mr Fraser intends to spend one day each week at the Camperdown campus.
“Having a regular presence here should help the communication flow between hospital staff, administration staff and board members,” Mr Fraser said.
“It also means I will have an intimate understanding of the Camperdown hospital’s needs to advocate strongly on its behalf.”