Royal Women’s Hospital regional patients booted from free accommodation to build new apartments

AControversial Decision: The Sale of Grattan Street Site and Its Impact on Patients

The Victorian government, under the leadership of the Allan administration, has announced plans to sell a hospital-owned site on Grattan Street as part of its Small Sites program. This initiative aims to encourage developers to build up to 350 new high-density homes across six public land parcels. While the government touts this as a step toward addressing the housing shortage, the decision has sparked significant controversy, particularly among hospital staff, patients, and advocates who argue that the site’s closure will severely impact vulnerable patients and their families.

The Closure of a Vital Resource: Patient Accommodation Lost

The Grattan Street site, which has been used for decades as accommodation for patients and their families, was abruptly closed in October. Hospital sources revealed that the flats were still in heavy use until their sudden shutdown, despite being described as “underutilised” and “surplus” in a government media alert earlier in the year. The closure has left many patients, particularly those requiring maternity care, abortion services, or treatment for gynaecological cancer, without a safe and affordable place to stay while accessing medical care. Hospital staff have expressed deep concerns about the consequences of this decision, fearing that some patients may be forced to sleep in their cars or travel home immediately after surgery due to the lack of alternative accommodation.

A Growing Crisis: Regional Patients Disproportionately Affected

The closure of the Grattan Street accommodation has raised alarms among medical professionals and advocates, who argue that regional patients will be disproportionately affected. Dr. Nisha Khot, vice president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, expressed concerns that the added cost of accommodation could deter regional patients from seeking necessary medical care in the city. Similarly, Sally Hasler, chief executive of Women’s Health Victoria, highlighted the critical role the Grattan Street site played in providing safe and affordable housing for women travelling long distances for abortions or other specialised care. The financial burden of travel, accommodation, and childcare may now become insurmountable for many.

A Difficult Trade-off: Housing Needs vs. Healthcare Access

The Victorian government has defended the decision to sell the Grattan Street site, arguing that the proceeds will be used to build more housing in a state grappling with a severe housing shortage. A government spokesperson noted that the site will be redeveloped into approximately 70 high-quality homes, with 10% designated as affordable housing. However, critics argue that this decision prioritises housing development over the immediate needs of vulnerable patients. The closure of the Grattan Street site has also raised questions about the long-term sustainability of healthcare access for regional Victorians, who already face significant barriers to specialised medical care.

The Broader Implications: Financial Pressures and Policy Decisions

The closure of the Grattan Street site is part of a larger trend of repurposing public land to address the housing crisis, a decision that has been influenced by financial pressures. The Royal Women’s Hospital recorded a $1.5 million operating deficit last year, while the Victorian government is facing a $2.2 billion budget deficit for 2024-25. These financial constraints have led to tough decisions, including the closure of essential services like the Grattan Street accommodation. While the government has pledged to explore alternative solutions, including expanded facilities at other sites, the timing and feasibility of these plans remain uncertain.

Finding a Way Forward: Advocacy and Alternative Solutions

In the face of widespread criticism, hospital staff and advocates are urging the government and hospital executives to find a more equitable solution. Medical staff have been working tirelessly to help patients find alternative accommodation, with some assistance available through philanthropic funding. However, these efforts are seen as a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution. Dr. Khot and other advocates have called for the inclusion of patient accommodation in any future development on the Grattan Street site, arguing that this would help balance the need for housing with the imperative of ensuring equitable access to healthcare. As the debate over the Grattan Street site continues, one thing is clear: the decision to close this vital resource has highlighted the complex interplay between housing, healthcare, and social equity, and the need for policymakers to consider the human impact of their decisions.