Media Release: $1 MILLION EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR DANDENONG HOSPITAL

FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

DATE: Monday, January 21, 2008

$1 MILLION EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR DANDENONG HOSPITAL

Key medical and patient care equipment at the Dandenong Hospital will be updated thanks to a $1.08 million Brumby Government funding boost.

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funding, Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the money would be used to replace equipment which was now becoming outdated.

Mr Andrews said the Dandenong Hospital funding was part of a $3.7 million allocation to Southern Health.

He said the Dandenong Hospital funding would provide an update of the General X-ray Room. It will also enable the hospital to replace 20 beds, provide seven new patient hoists and three patient standing lifters and a bariatric hoist. The hospital will also use the funding to replace three physiological monitors, five defibrillators, an ECG telemetry system and an ultrasound machine.

“This Brumby Government funding will provide the Dandenong Hospital and the Clayton and Moorabbin campuses of the Monash Medical Centre 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 over four years 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 hospitals.”

Mr Andrews said the equipment grants come on top of record funding for Southern Health which received $576.7 million in 2007/08, $30.9 million more than in 06/07 and more than double since 1999.