Coalition delivers funds for Frankston Hospital
The Victorian Coalition Government has delivered funding for the next stage of the Frankston Hospital redevelopment in the 2012-13 State Budget, Health Minister David Davis announced today.
Mr Davis said today's Budget contained $40 million for the expansion and reconfiguration of Frankston's emergency department.
"This will improve the hospital's capacity to meet current and forecast demand for emergency department services, and help the hospital to overcome some of the capacity and congestion issues which have caused problems for staff and patients in the past," Mr Davis said.
"The funding comes on top of $36 million the Coalition Government allocated in last year's Budget to provide extra medical and surgical beds and expand critical care services.
"We understand the Frankston Hospital has been operating under pressure for some time and, despite the tough economic conditions, we are building a hospital to meet tomorrow's needs."
Mr Davis said that while sections of the Frankston Hospital had been redeveloped in stages since 1999, the previous Labor Government had failed to expand the emergency department.
"As a result the hospital is now in urgent need of a larger emergency department to accommodate current demand and plan for the future," Mr Davis said.
"The growing suburbs around the southern bayside and Mornington Peninsula need a bigger and more efficient Frankston Hospital emergency department to cater for their health needs."
Mr Davis said the funding in this year's Budget would also provide a new medical imaging service to support the emergency department.
The existing emergency department will be refurbished to provide specialist consulting areas, including pediatric and mental health areas.
The project will include a 12-bed short-stay unit to help improve the efficiency of patient flow through the emergency department.
"This upgrade is part of the Coalition Government's record state infrastructure spend which will not only address current challenges but will also drive economic activity and local jobs," Mr Davis said.
Member for Frankston Geoff Shaw said today's announcement of further funding was a fantastic win for the local community.
"The Coalition Government is securing the future of health services to meet the growing demand of the Peninsula region," Mr Shaw said.
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