Media Release: MEDICAL EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR ANGLISS HOSPITAL

FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

DATE: Tuesday, February 12, 2008

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR ANGLISS HOSPITAL

Key medical and patient care equipment at the Angliss Hospital will be updated thanks to a $711,000 Brumby Government funding boost.

Visiting the hospital with Monbulk MP James Merlino to announce the equipment funding today, Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the funding would be used to replace equipment which was now becoming outdated.

The Angliss Hospital funding will provide a much-needed update of anaesthetic, X-ray and ultrasound equipment and a new diathermy unit (equipment that uses high frequency electrical current either to cut or to cauterize small blood vessels to stop bleeding).

“This Brumby Government funding will provide the Angliss 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 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 keep up with 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.”

Mr Merlino said the equipment funding was great news for local residents and a boost for health services in the eastern suburbs.

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

“This latest funding for the Angliss is testament to our ongoing commitment to a hospital that was earmarked for downgrading by the Liberal Party when they were last in power.”

Mr Andrews said the equipment grants and the emergency department redevelopment come on top of record funding to Eastern Health of more than $373.8 million in 2007/08, a massive increase of more than $198 million or 113.2 per cent since 1999.