Mildura's primary private health provider says moving the location of the town's public hospital would be "strange" and "frustrating" for medical specialists and patients.
The state opposition last week committed to building a $750 million hospital and accompanying academic hub if it wins the election later this year, but did not commit to a location.
Speculation has swirled around the long-term location of the Mildura Base Public Hospital as the state government works to finalise its plan for healthcare in north-west Victoria.
Local Liberal candidate Paul Matheson has suggested a new hospital should be built at the Brian Weightman Oval, about three kilometres from the current location on Ontario Avenue.
Mildura Health chief executive Gerard Op de Coul says moving the public hospital, which is across the road from Mildura Health's private hospital, would be detrimental to the community.
"The majority of surgeons, anaesthetists, some medical specialists, they work between the two hospitals," he told ABC Mildura-Swan Hill Breakfast.
"To attract specialists to the region … it's far easier when the public and the private are working together.
Mr Op de Coul said changing the location could also force patients to frequently travel between two sites for consultations, scans and other services.
"That's very hard for pensioners and people who rely on public transport," he said.
"It's just far more convenient to be in the one area."
'Just speculation'
A spokesperson for the Mildura Base Public Hospital said any discussion about a location for a hospital was "just speculation" until the government-led master plan process was completed.
They said building on the existing site had not necessarily been ruled out.
The hospital is adjacent to a landfill and wetlands.
"We're all aware there are limitations [at the current site] around car parking, because of the space around and the available land … but I'm sure architects are looking at what they can do," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson acknowledged that if it was determined that the hospital should remain in its current position, there would also be "challenges" in operating while extensive upgrades were completed.
"It would be a challenge, no question," they said.
'Always been unpopular'
Independent member for Mildura Ali Cupper said she would like to see the new hospital built on 15th Street, but said it was up to the planners to determine whether it should be moved.
"But I think the issue is the current site has always been unpopular with the community," she said.
"For me, it would be nice to have a fresh start, but let's see what the master plan says."
The former Labor candidate also told the ABC she would support the Liberal Party to form government if there was a hung parliament in Victoria, following the party's $750-million election promise.
