Stefan Bradley
[Originally published September 20 2022]
Stefan Bradley
VICTORIANS enjoyed a four-day weekend, with two public holidays last week.
Thursday, September 22, was declared a one-off National Day of Mourning, to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II following her death at the age of 96.
Then on Friday, Victoria observed the Grand Final Eve public holiday.
The state government designated both holidays as a “normal trading day”, meaning businesses are not required to reduce their opening hours nor close, unless they wish to do so.
Many Australians had their medical appointments and surgeries postponed because of the sudden Thursday public holiday.
Central Gippsland Health acting chief executive, Kelli Mitchener, said that consultations have been made with patients and families to minimise the impact of postponements.
“Central Gippsland Health respects and recognises the importance of the day. Queen Elizabeth II was Britain’s longest-serving monarch and it is important to give people the opportunity to reflect on her decades of service during her time on the throne,” she said.
“Central Gippsland Health has rescheduled some elective surgery and outpatient appointments in consultation with patients and their families to minimise the impact and ensure patients’ needs are met.
“As a major healthcare provider, Central Gippsland Health is well equipped for these unpredictable circumstances, and we will continue to liaise with patients, families and staff to ensure the most minimal disruption to services, while respecting the passing of our constitutional monarch. “
