Wimmera oncology patients will be able to access first class cancer care, closer to home, thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government’s new $200 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy visited Horsham today to announce $1 million from the Fund to go to the fundraising effort for the $3.5 million redevelopment of the oncology unit at Wimmera Healthcare Group.
The $200 million Fund is the largest of its kind in Victorian history and will provide much needed upgrades for rural and regional hospitals to ensure Victorians, regardless of where they live, have access to quality health care when they need it.
Cancer has the highest incidence of any disease in Wimmera Southern Mallee region, meaning the demand for cancer services is growing. Wimmera Healthcare Group’s oncology unit is set to treat 3,000 patients this year.
At the Bailie Street campus, oncology and renal dialysis services are currently being accessed through the main hospital block that limits staff from delivering a fully effective service.
For the Wimmera Healthcare Group, our $1 million funding boost will help it undertake a major redevelopment to current facilities, so the hospital can meet growing demand for cancer care and deliver satellite services in facilities that meet contemporary standards.
Ballarat is currently the referral centre for oncology for the Grampians region, but with new facilities in Horsham, all treatments will be delivered in one place and patients will no longer have to travel around the region for care.
The Labor Government’s Victorian Budget 2016/17 delivered an extra $2.45 billion for health so hospitals can admit more patients, reduce waiting times, upgrade buildings and infrastructure, and keep Victorians healthy.
Through our $200 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, we’re investing in building projects and rebuilding our hospitals to give patients and staff the safe environments that they deserve.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“Currently, local cancer patients have to travel to Ballarat for treatment, meaning long drives and time away from their families.”
“The new Wimmera Cancer Centre will mean cancer patients can get the high quality care and treatment they need, close to home and their families.”
“Every Victorian deserves access to high quality, safe care when they need it. Our new Regional Health Infrastructure Fund will support our rural and regional hospitals to do just that.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victorian Jaala Pulford
“This funding from the Andrews Labor Government complements the incredible fundraising effort – led by and for the Wimmera community.”
“It will mean local patients can have peace of mind knowing they will have access to the very best cancer care and treatment, right on their doorstep.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020