Media Release: EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR FRANKSTON HOSPITAL

FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

DATE: Thursday, January 10, 2008

EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR FRANKSTON HOSPITAL

Key medical equipment at the Frankston Hospital will be updated as a result of $985,000 in Brumby Government funding, Health Minister Daniel Andrews announced today.

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announce the equipment funding, Mr Andrews said the funding would be used to replace equipment which was now becoming outdated.

“This Brumby Government funding will provide the Frankston and Rosebud hospitals 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.

“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 hospitals.

“It is part of $225 million over four years announced in the last State Budget to replace medical equipment throughout the hospitals and to help upgrade buildings and fittings.”

Frankston MP Alistair Harkness said the Frankston Hospital funding is part of a $1.12 million allocation to Peninsula Health, with a further $135,000 in funding for new equipment for the Rosebud Hospital emergency department.

“The Frankston Hospital funding will replace 15 physiological monitoring units in the emergency department – three for resuscitation, 11 in the acute area and one in the high-risk cubicle,” Mr Harkness said.

“It will also provide a new central monitor in the emergency department, a digital x-ray unit in the radiology section and three new cystocopes for the endoscopy section.”