Media Release: EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR LATROBE REGIONAL HOSPITAL

FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

DATE: Saturday, February 23, 2008

EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR LATROBE REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Key medical equipment at the Latrobe Regional Hospital will be updated thanks to a $630,000 Brumby Government funding boost.

Visiting the hospital to announce the equipment funding, Mr Andrews said it would be used to replace equipment which was now becoming outdated.

The funding is part of $36.4 million in Brumby Government funding for hospitals and health services across the State this year and includes $9.1 million for rural hospitals and health services.

The Latrobe Hospital funding will provide 17 new patient monitors as replacements for old equipment, and also 116 syringe, infusion and ambulatory pumps.

“This Brumby Government funding will provide the Latrobe 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 abreast of developments and 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.

“The Brumby Government is continuing with its significant investment in rebuilding and improving Victoria’s hospitals.”

Mr Andrews said the equipment grants and the emergency department redevelopment come on top of record funding to Latrobe Hospital of more than $83.5 million in 2007/08, a massive increase of more than $33 million or 65.4 per cent since 1999.