Media Release: BRUMBY GOVERNMENT BOOST FOR NORTHERN HOSPITAL

FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

DATE: Wednesday, February 20, 2008

BRUMBY GOVERNMENT BOOST FOR NORTHERN HOSPITAL

Key medical and patient care equipment at the Northern Hospital will be updated thanks to a $505,000 Brumby Government funding boost.

Visiting the Northern to announce the equipment funding, Health Minister Daniel Andrews said it would be used to replace equipment which was now becoming outdated.

The Northern Hospital funding will enable the hospital to update and replace 39 infusion pumps plus other equipment, including a washer/disinfector and a haemofiltration unit.

“This Brumby Government funding will provide the Northern Hospital with the most modern technology now available and will help ensure that Victorian hospitals stay at the forefront of the introduction of new technology,” Mr Andrews said.

“It is part of $225 million announced in the last State Budget to replace medical equipment throughout the hospitals and to help upgrade buildings and engineering infrastructure.

“Our hospitals need to stay up to date with modern technology to ensure they continue to provide the best possible care to patients.

“This funding enables our hospitals to take advantage of advances in technology and buy the most up-to-date systems to improve patient treatment and diagnosis.”

Member for Thomastown Peter Batchelor said the equipment funding was great news for local residents and a boost for health services in the area.

“The Brumby Government is continuing with its significant investment in rebuilding and improving hospitals in the northern suburbs,” Mr Batchelor said.

Mr Andrews said the equipment grants come on top of record funding to Northern Health of nearly $201 million in 2007/08, a massive increase of nearly $117 million or 139.1 per cent since 1999.