LOCAL support is vital for health services to meet the demands of growing communities, and that’s why money raised at Williamstown Football Club’s community day will go towards Williamstown Hospital.

Western Health chief executive Kathryn Cook said the hospital has been well supported by business and community groups such as the footy club.

“Williamstown Hospital has always enjoyed the support of its community, from local schools, many groups and organisations along with individuals and local business,” she said.

“As we face significant population and demographic challenges in the coming years, Western Health is making long-term plans to ensure the needs of local residents are adequately met.”

The most recent example of how financial support had improved patient welfare at Williamstown Football is the addition of the $1.02 million renal dialysis unit. This expanded service provides an extra nine renal dialysis treatment spaces, giving Williamstown Hospital a total of 14 spaces for dialysis treatment and was made possible by a number of contributors.

In addition to $400,000 in Victorian Government funding and other donations, lifelong Williamstown resident Robert “Pinto” Wilson left a bequest of $453,000.

“The Wilson Renal Dialysis Unit is an important investment for local residents and demonstrates Western Health’s commitment to Williamstown,” Ms cook said.

“We play an important role in the provision of health care in the local community and this new service strengthens our ability to care for local residents. This project is a terrific partnership between the people of Hobsons Bay and private and community sectors and is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together.”

“We thank the Williamstown Football Club for supporting Williamstown Hospital as the beneficiary of funds raised at their exciting Community Day”.