More patients in Victoria’s south west will be able to get the health care they need closer to home, thanks to a big Budget boost for the Andrews Labor Government’s flagship Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced the Victorian Budget 2018/19 will include a $50 million boost so more hospitals and health services can benefit from the fund – bringing the total investment up to $250 million.
The now $250 million fund – the largest of its kind in Victorian history – will rebuild rural and regional hospitals to ensure all Victorians can access the high quality care and facilities they need, no matter where they live.
So far, the fund has allocated money to 172 projects across the state over two rounds.
At Heywood Rural Health, we are investing $680,000 to integrate the Medical Clinic and Primary Care Services with the Community Health Hub.
Meanwhile, at Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service, a funding boost of $154,464 will be used for a refurbishment to accommodate Allied Health Services. The refurbishment will integrate staff/patient movement and expand service delivery.
Both these upgrades will improve patient outcomes and deliver modern facilities for staff.
This year’s boost will fund even more projects to improve the quality and safety of hospital infrastructure, meet growing demand for healthcare and provide world-class equipment to improve patient outcomes.
Last year’s Budget delivered $1.67 billion to support hospitals to meet demand and provide the care Victorian patients deserve, as well as $428.5 million in new hospital upgrades.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“We’re putting patients first and revamping Heywood Rural Health and Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service so more patients in the south west can be treated sooner, closer to home.”
“This is excellent news for our local and surrounding communities. Our investment will make a real difference to the lives of patients who will get the safe, high quality care and treatment they need.”
“Our dedicated health workers already do a remarkable job. We’re supporting them so they can keep doing that – saving lives and keeping locals healthy with safer and more reliable, modern facilities.”