The Andrews Labor Government will invest $5 million to redevelop East Wimmera Health Service’s ageing Birchip campus to ensure local patients receive the very best care.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today announced the $5 million investment, made possible by a Labor Government funding boost, along with additional post-flood insurance settlement funds from the nearby Charlton campus.
The significant revamp will give doctors and nurses at Birchip the modern facilities they need and deserve to continue delivering high quality care to patients into the future.
The original Birchip Hospital was built in 1930, with its last major extension undertaken more than 30 years ago in 1985. Currently, the campus is spread over three buildings, creating an inefficient working environment for staff.
The redevelopment will reconfigure the site, and bring together and integrate acute and aged care services under one roof.
Hospital patients and aged care residents in Birchip now can look forward to better care in bright and modern accommodation.
Services at Birchip include urgent care, acute medical beds, residential aged care services and primary care services.
The Victorian Budget 2016/17 provided an extra $2.45 billion for health, so hospitals can admit more patients, reduce waiting times, upgrade buildings and infrastructure and keep Victorians healthy. This includes $817 million to build new hospitals and ambulance stations.
In 2016/17, East Wimmera Health Service will receive $14.59 million in funding from the Labor Government. This is $220,000 more than provided the previous financial year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“We’re putting the Birchip community first with a modern makeover of the treasured local hospital.”
“People in Birchip are rightly proud of their hospital. This revamp will secure its future, ensuring locals can access the care they need, when they need it, closer to home.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Ageing Martin Foley
“It will make a real difference to the lives of patients and aged care residents who will benefit from contemporary facilities and more efficient and integrated health care.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020