More patients in south west Victoria will get the high-quality care they need in better and safer facilities thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced six health services in Victoria’s south west would receive a combined $3,676,364 in funding as part of the latest round of the Labor Government’s flagship Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
The $250 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund – the largest of its kind in Victorian history – is rebuilding regional and rural health services to ensure Victorians can access the high-quality care and facilities they need, no matter where they live.
The latest funding round is kickstarting 109 projects to upgrade vital equipment and buildings at rural hospitals, community health centres and bush nursing services. In total, 283 projects have been funded as part of the Fund.
The latest round of projects includes building refurbishments and expansions, new generators, air conditioning and hot water boilers, fire systems, ICT upgrades, medical equipment, solar panels and vehicles for our remote bush nurses.
At South West Healthcare, we are investing $1,490,000 for the Portland Community Mental Health Service Redevelopment Project. The project will replace the current weatherboard house in Percy Street, with a single storey, purpose built primary care facility in its place.
Portland District Health will receive a funding boost of $783,381 to replace existing perioperative equipment – laparoscopic and endoscopic – as well as the CSSD batch washer/thermal disinfector.
Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service, will receive $301,081 to replace roofing iron, gutters and downpipes on the health facility. It will also be used to repair internal ceiling tiles, carpeting, skirting boards and water stained walls.
At Moyne Health Service, our investment of $630,452 will replace emergency power and electrical infrastructure. The scope of works will replace the existing main electrical switchboard and emergency generator, providing new connection to the 22kV on-site transformer.
Warrnambool’s Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd will receive a funding boost of $281,950 to upgrade facilities to improve community access to health services. As well as the conversion of existing space into additional consulting and assessment rooms, the upgrade will develop a cultural footprint from footpath to building entrance.
Meanwhile, in Heywood, we are investing $189,500 at Heywood Rural Health for their Secure Fencing and Installation, Dementia-Friendly Resident Rooms and Outdoor Area redevelopment project, as well as their Fire Service Infrastructure Upgrade.
By expanding capacity, improving efficiency and access, as well as delivering the latest advances in medical technology, these investments will mean better and safer care for patients and modern facilities for staff.
This year’s Budget invested $1.2 billion in hospital upgrades and equipment giving our hardworking doctors, nurses and paramedics the world-class facilities they need to deliver the very best healthcare.
Quotes attributable to Member for Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“We’re putting patients first and revamping our rural and regional health services so more patients in Victoria’s south west can be treated sooner, closer to home.”
“We’re building the modern facilities hardworking doctors, nurses and other health care workers need to treat more patients, keep locals healthy and save more lives.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“This is great news for south west Victoria. This will make a real difference to the lives of patients who will get the safe, high quality care they need and deserve – and help staff do what they do best.”