Media Release: EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR BENDIGO HOSPITAL

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER

DATE: Thursday, January 24, 2008

EQUIPMENT BOOST FOR BENDIGO HOSPITAL

Key medical equipment at the Bendigo Hospital will be updated as a result of a $454,000 Brumby Government funding boost.

Visiting the hospital’s emergency department, Premier John Brumby said the funding would be used to buy new equipment and replace other equipment which was now becoming outdated.

“This funding will provide the Bendigo 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 Brumby said.

“Replacement of regular equipment with bariatric equipment will enable the health service to provide optimum care for all patients including obese patients, and importantly reduce the risk of injury to clinical staff.

Mr Brumby said the funding was part of $9.1 million in Victorian Government funding for equipment for rural and regional health services this year.

The Bendigo Hospital funding will allow the hospital to buy 10 new bariatric beds, a mobile image intensifier, a new steriliser and 18 new syringe pumps.

“The mobile image intensifier is a state-of-the-art X-ray unit which takes real time pictures, not just a snapshot and will enhance the medical imaging department’s services to in-patients,” Mr Brumby said. “The new steriliser for the Day Procedure Unit will be an additional machine and will improve capacity for sterilising flexible endoscopes.”

Mr Brumby said the funding was part of a four-year $225 million commitment in the 2007-08 State Budget to replace medical equipment in Victoria 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,” Mr Brumby said. “This Government is continuing with its significant investment in rebuilding and improving hospitals.”

Mr Brumby said the equipment money was on top of record funding to Bendigo Hospital which has had its bottom-line budget funding increased by 94.5 per cent since 1999, receiving $112.9 million in 2007/08, up by a massive $54.9 million since 1999/2000.

The Victorian Government also recently provided $2 million to progress the planning of the redevelopment of the hospital, which will detail options including expanding mental health capacity, new wards, and new allied health and outpatient facilities.

Other recent initiatives at Bendigo from the Government include a second $3.5 million linear accelerator for cancer patients, $500,000 for new monitors in the Emergency Department and infusion pumps and syringe drivers for the Emergency Coronary Care Unit and $4 million for Short Stay units, day treatment centres and medi-hotels.

This is in addition to an extra $5 million over the last two years specifically for mental health services.