Media Release: EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR WARRNAMBOOL HOSPITAL

FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

DATE: Friday, January 18, 2008

EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR WARRNAMBOOL HOSPITAL

Key medical equipment at South West Healthcare’s Warrnambool campus will be updated thanks to a $377,400 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Health Minister Daniel Andrews said today the funding would be used to replace equipment which was now becoming outdated.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 an anaesthetic machine and two sterilisers and 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.

“The Brumby Government is committed to ensuring Victorians have access to our world-class health services no matter where they live,” Mr Andrews said.

“This funding will provide the Warrnambool 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 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.

“The Brumby Government is continuing with its significant investment in rebuilding and improving hospitals.”

Mr Andrews also said construction of the first stage of the $90 million Warrnambool Hospital redevelopment was expected to start later this year.

“The Warrnambool redevelopment will be one of the Victoria’s most significant rural health projects and part of the Brumby Government’s $4.1 billion health infrastructure program, the largest health capital works program in Victoria’s history,” Mr Andrews said.

“The equipment funding and the first tangible signs of the hospital redevelopment are evidence of the Brumby Government’s commitment to continue to improve health services in the area.”