Media Release

RMH named as designated games hospital   
 
24 October 2005

The Royal Melbourne Hospital is gearing up to treat athletes needing serious medical treatment, after being announced as the Designated Commonwealth Games Hospital by the Health Minister, Bronwyn Pike.  Print Friendly 
 
Ms Pike said the Royal Melbourne, one of Australia's biggest hospitals, would be ready to provide a wide range of medical services to athletes and other members of Commonwealth Games teams.

"The Royal Melbourne has been chosen because it is close to the Commonwealth Games village in Parkville, but also because it has the ability to provide world-class treatment," Ms Pike said.

Ms Pike said the majority of medical services would be provided by the Games Polyclinic, located on-site in the Village and run by Melbourne 2006.

The Polyclinic will provide general medical services, specialist sports medicine services, physio, massage and allied health services such as podiatry.

"The Royal Melbourne will back-up the Polyclinic by dealing with more serious injuries, treatment requiring overnight stays and specialist services such as pathology and radiology."

A specialist liason officer was recently appointed from the nursing staff at the Royal Melbourne. Their job will be to provide a link between the hospital and the Games organisers to ensure the hospital is as ready as possible for the Games next year.

Ms Pike said it was important to point out that other hospitals may treat Games athletes and other team members during the event.

"If a marathon runner breaks their leg outside the Alfred hospital, then they will be initially treated at the Alfred but then transferred back to the Royal Melbourne if they have to stay overnight in hospital," Ms Pike said.

"Equally, if there is a major incident that require providing medical attention to a large number of people, Victoria's disaster response plan will be activated and people will be treated in the most appropriate setting."

The funding for treating overseas athletes and other team members will be provided through reciprocal arrangements put in place between the Australian Government and the athletes' national of origin.

The Federal Government has agreed to contribute to the medical costs of athletes and other team members who come from countries where there is no reciprocal agreement.