More Victorian patients will receive care they can count on, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s record investment in building and running our hospitals.
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 delivers on the Labor Government’s $3.8 billion plan to build modern hospitals for a growing Victoria, with two million more patients expected to be treated over the next year.
Not only are we investing in world-class hospitals, we’re ensuring their tireless staff – our dedicated nurses and doctors – have everything they need to deliver the best care.
A record $2.5 billion investment in our health system will help meet the needs of our growing state, meaning that more patients will receive care, treatment and surgeries sooner.
As promised and now delivered, the Budget also fully funds the flagship new Footscray Hospital, making sure families in Melbourne’s west can access the first-class care they need, when they need it most.
The bigger, better $1.5 billion Footscray Hospital will cut waitlist times, allow almost 15,000 additional patients to be treated and almost 20,000 additional people to be seen by the emergency department each year.
The new 504-bed hospital will create up to 2,000 jobs during construction and serve as a major tertiary teaching hospital and hub for specialist care in the west, including a major expansion of mental health services.
The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) is one of the very best of its kind anywhere in the world, caring for our youngest Victorians. The Budget includes $31 million for a major expansion of the much-loved RCH, including a new 30-bed flexi ward to treat some of our sickest – and bravest – young patients.
Regional Victorians deserve the best care, no matter where they live. It’s why this year’s Budget also includes a $100 million boost to the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, helping build the world-class hospitals and health facilities that rural and regional communities count on.
Bendigo patients recovering from injury or illness will benefit from a $60 million investment in a cutting-edge Bendigo Hospital Day Rehabilitation Centre, bringing the various rehabilitation services spread across the Bendigo Hospital site under one roof.
The Budget is getting on with building the very best hospitals that Victorians can rely on, with important planning work for major hospital projects being funded, including:
- a $562 million redevelopment of the Frankston Hospital
- a new hospital at Toolern, on the outskirts of Melton
- the next stage of the Angliss Hospital expansion, providing upgraded facilities for local doctors and nurses, and building a new aged care facility in Wantirna
- a $217 million upgrade of Latrobe Regional Hospital
- ten new community hospitals, ensuring care for local communities is just around the corner
- five new dedicated children’s emergency departments, giving parents peace of mind that their kids will get calm and compassionate care in the moments that matter most.
The $100 million redevelopment of Maryborough Hospital is on track, while a $10 million planning boost has begun the Geelong Women’s and Children’s Hospital, with funding set aside for both projects when shovels are ready to hit the ground.
With this Budget, we’re keeping our promises, building the hospitals our state needs and backing the first-class care Victorians deserve.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Jenny Mikakos
“Whether it’s building a new Footscray Hospital, upgrading the Royal Children’s or getting the planning right for the next big projects, we’re keeping our promises and delivering the very best care for Victorians.”
“These are more than bricks and mortar investments – this is about making sure our loved ones are getting the care they need, when they need it most.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020