Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is facing criticism for announcing his government will re-name Maroondah Hospital after the late Queen Elizabeth II when it is redeveloped.
The hospital in Ringwood is currently named using an Aboriginal word “Maroondah” and is the only hospital in Victoria with an Aboriginal name.
The redevelopment, expansion and re-naming of Maroondah Hospital is a pledge made by the government just months out from the state’s next election.
“A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will redevelop and expand the Maroondah Hospital at Ringwood, and re-name it in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as a mark of respect to her unwavering commitment to healthcare and our community,” Daniel Andrews said in a statement.
“The Queen was a longstanding supporter of Victoria’s healthcare system. As the patron of the Royal Melbourne and the Royal Children’s hospitals, she demonstrated her devotion to patients and their care whenever she visited their bedsides.”
Reconstructive and hand surgeon Dr Neela Janakiramanan said while the expansion is needed, she hoped it could keep its inclusive Aboriginal name.
“Maroondah Hospital is the only hospital I can think of in Victoria with an Aboriginal name. Inclusive healthcare starts from the signage on. The funding and expansion is much needed, but I hope such a beloved and inclusive name can remain.”
Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratman also criticised the decision from the Andrews government to re-name the hospital. “This is not what decolonisation looks like,” she wrote.
A petition has been shared online, opposing the re-naming of the hospital. Over 2,000 people have signed the petition at the time of publishing.