Media Release: EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR WANGARATTA HOSPITAL

FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

DATE: Friday, February 15, 2008

EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR WANGARATTA HOSPITAL

Key medical equipment at Northeast Health Wangaratta will be updated thanks to a $230,000 Brumby Government funding boost.

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the equipment funding, Health Minister Daniel Andrews said it would be used to replace equipment which was now becoming outdated.

The Northeast Health Wangaratta funding will replace four birthing beds, a resuscitation trolley and four diathermy units.

“This Brumby Government funding will provide Northeast Health Wangaratta 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 announced in the last State Budget to replace medical equipment throughout the hospitals and to help upgrade buildings and fittings.

“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 and this funding comes on top of record funding to Wangaratta Hospital of more than $54.7 million in 2007/08, a massive increase of over $25.7 million or 89 per cent since 1999.”

Surgical diathermy involves the use of high frequency electrical current to either make incisions, or to cauterize small blood vessels to stop bleeding.