More patients will receive the care, treatment and surgeries they need sooner with the Andrews Labor Government spending a record $16.47 billion across the entire health system this year.
Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy, today announced the 2016/17 budget allocations for every Victorian health service, including $125.34 million for Warrnambool’s South West Healthcare.
This is $9.54 million – or 8.2 per cent – more than provided the previous financial year. From July 1, South West Healthcare will be included on the Government’s state-wide elective surgery waiting list, with additional funding to better meet demand and reduce waiting times for surgery.
South West Healthcare will also receive an additional $1 million for its mental health services. This includes additional funding for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and School Early Action Program, Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness Program, Community Clinical Treatment and the Perinatal Emotional Health Program.
The budget allocations reveal how the biggest ever increase in health funding delivered in the Victorian Budget 2016/17 will be carved up among hospitals, ambulance services, mental health and drugs services, aged care, community health and public health services.
Victorian hospitals alone will share in $10 billion, which is $579.7 million – or 6.1 per cent – more than provided the previous financial year.
Hospitals will be able to expand services, open more beds and carry out more surgeries to meet increasing demand for care across the state, treat patients faster and reduce waiting lists.
The Labor Government’s record investment will enable hospitals to admit an extra 79,000 patients and treat an extra 43,000 patients in emergency departments across the state.
We are also providing $817 million to build new hospitals and ambulance stations, and funding the latest advances in medical equipment so our dedicated doctors and nurses can deliver even better care.
Our new $200 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund will upgrade rural and regional hospitals to ensure all Victorians can access high quality care and facilities, no matter where they live.
The Labor Government is also investing a record $144 million in our ambulance system so paramedics can respond to medical emergencies even quicker and do what they do best, which is saving lives.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“We’re putting patients first and delivering record funding for Victoria’s hospitals so more patients can be treated, sooner.”
“Our dedicated doctors and nurses do a remarkable job. We are supporting them to do their job saving lives by opening more beds and theatres to treat patients faster, and reduce wait times for surgery and emergency care.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“This extra funding for South West Healthcare means more patients will be able to access the high quality and safe care they need and deserve, when they need it, closer to home.”