Media Release: MASSIVE GROWTH AT ANGLISS HOSPITAL

FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

DATE: Monday, March 20, 2006

MASSIVE GROWTH AT ANGLISS HOSPITAL

A $1.3 million day surgery unit will replace the old, unused emergency department at Angliss Hospital, Health Minister Bronwyn Pike announced today while opening the hospital’s new operating theatres.

Ms Pike, in a fully sterilised theatre suit, ran a close eye over the newly opened $300,000 operating theatres during her visit, giving the works her tick of approval.

“This is a major overhaul for the Angliss Hospital that will enable improve elective surgery options and other services for people in Melbourne’s growing outer east,” Ms Pike said.

“These kinds of improvements to health facilities are making the area an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

“By converting a small procedure room into this comprehensive operating suite with a new $956,000 CT scanner and $208,000 surgical camera system, better services are now more accessible in the outer eastern suburbs.

Ms Pike said the new, expanded operating theatres were the latest in many exciting developments for health services at Angliss Hospital, none bigger than today’s day surgery announcement.

“Transforming the former emergency department into a purpose built facility with 20 recovery beds will complement the redeveloped operating suite and will also help patients access quicker elective surgery,” Ms Pike said.

“In addition to those major works, the hospital also has a newly-completed 200 space car park to accommodate extra patient demand and there is a $4.3 million ambulatory rehabilitation centre (ARC) which is currently under construction.

“What this means for Angliss Hospital patients is a better experience from the inpatient bed to when they get home, with treatment and therapy able to be provided in the hospital bed, in the ARC as an outpatient and in the home.

The Member for Monbulk, James Merlino, said the Bracks Government was helping bring the best imaging, operating and rehabilitation services possible to the outer east.

“The Angliss Hospital is certainly growing, as is the community that it services. These works will go a long way to ensuring it can meet demand in this area for some time,” Mr Merlino said.