Regional health services across South West Victoria will be upgraded, expanded and modernised – giving all Victorians access to the healthcare they need and deserve.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas and Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced that 4 south west Victorian Health services were among 128 projects to share in more than $70 million across rural and regional Victoria, through the Andrews Labor Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).
As part of the major boost to the local health system, South West Healthcare will receive almost $3.7 million to replace aging end of life equipment across all SW Healthcare sites and to implement new patient entertainment and engagement systems at Warrnambool Base Hospital.
Additionally, Portland District Health will receive a funding boost of almost $1.2 million for the re-processing of medical equipment in their Perioperative Services, an upgrade of IT infrastructure in the main campus and funding for a Maternity Redesign Masterplan to scope out works to consolidate the maternity spaces and refurbish the environment.
Meanwhile, Heywood Rural Health will receive funding to replace electrical switchboards and upgrade fire safety systems across the service, through an investment of $811,000.
At Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service, a boost of $100,000 will expand DWECH’s waiting room, raise hallway ceilings and renovate existing interior spaces to create new consulting rooms.
Health services in every single council across regional Victoria will see an upgrade – with projects for hospitals, community health services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations also creating hundreds of jobs.
This includes projects to modernise and expand operating theatres, deliver new waiting rooms and hospital beds, create accessible paths and ramps, expand consulting rooms and deliver vital equipment upgrades.
The latest round has also provided grants for more than 50 projects to undertake planning and design, to advance proposals to be considered for future funding rounds.
The RHIF – now worth $790 million – provides government funding to rural and regional health services and agencies across Victoria so they can continue to provide the best care to local communities.
Since establishing the RHIF in 2015, the Labor Government has funded more than 630 projects – the largest investment ever dedicated to our rural and regional health services.
The Government has invested more than $15 billion to expand, upgrade and build hospitals since 2014, with the RHIF delivering vital targeted upgrades – tailoring projects to the needs of patients, staff and local communities.
Quotes attributable to Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“With new projects right across south-west Victoria – this is about ensuring the community continues to receive modern and effective care.”
“Through the RHIF, we’re supporting local health services deliver tailored solutions that are best suited to their patients and staff.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“Investing in health isn’t just about new hospitals – you’ve also got to deliver all the specialised services people need close to home.”
“We established the RHIF to ensure our doctors and nurses have the facilities they need to continue to deliver the best possible care for Victorians.”