Media Release: EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR PORTLAND HOSPITAL

FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

DATE: Friday, January 18, 2008

EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR PORTLAND HOSPITAL

Key medical equipment at the Portland Hospital will be updated thanks to a $117,600 Brumby Government funding boost.

Health Minister Daniel Andrews said today the funding would be used to replace equipment which was now becoming outdated.

The funding will replace a laparoscopic system in the day procedure centre, plus three defibrillators.

Defibrillators are used to “kick-start” the heart of major cardiac arrest victims and get it beating a normal rhythm again.

“This Brumby Government funding will provide the Portland Hospital with some of 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 over four years announced in the last State Budget to replace medical equipment throughout the hospitals and to help upgrade buildings and fittings.

“Our hospitals need to keep up the latest 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.

“This lifesaving equipment could mean the difference between life and death in the vital minutes following a major heart attack,” Mr Andrews said.

He said the funding comes on top of the hospital sharing in record funding for the Barwon South Western region of more than $228.6 million in 2007/08, an increase of more than $114 million since 1999.