The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading critical cooling and heating systems at Stawell Regional Health to ensure the hardworking staff have the safe and modern facilities they deserve.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today announced a $2.2 million funding boost for the major upgrade, which will fit Stawell Hospital with the latest cooling and air handling systems.
The Labor Government’s $200 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund – the largest of its kind in Victorian history – is rebuilding regional and rural hospitals to ensure Victorians can access the high quality care and facilities they need, no matter where they live.
We’re replacing the outdated chillers and hot water systems throughout the hospital, and fitting acute wards and operating theatres with new air handling systems.
The latest hospital infrastructure will mean Stawell Regional Health can perform more surgeries and reduce cancellations – and improve working conditions for hard-working hospital staff.
The Victorian Budget 2017/18 provided $1.67 billion to allow hospitals to admit more patients, reduce waiting times, and keep Victorians healthy.
That’s unlike Malcolm Turnbull and the Liberals, who have declared their intentions to short-change Victoria’s hospitals by $2.1 billion – and put patients at risk.
Under the Turnbull Government’s National Health Reform Agreement 2020/21 to 2024/25, the Liberals are still refusing to pay their fair share, capping their contribution at 6.5 per cent growth, which won’t meet demand in our hospitals, and they’re refusing to increase the Commonwealth contribution rate to 50 per cent.
At Stawell, this will hit patients and local families hard. The agreement they have put on the table would mean a $3.3 million shortfall for Stawell Regional Health – that’s the equivalent of 11 fewer doctors, 26 fewer nurses or 528 fewer surgeries.
This is on top of the $104 million that Victoria is already owed by the Federal Liberal Government – which Malcolm Turnbull still refuses to pay – despite independent advice confirming Victoria is entitled to the funding.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We’re taking action to fit Stawell Regional Health with the latest, cutting edge infrastructure that will allow hard-working hospital staff to treat more patients sooner, and closer to their homes.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“We’re investing in our hospitals to give families the best care, but our new analysis shows that Malcolm Turnbull and the Federal Liberals want to short change our health services. We won’t stand by and let that happen.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020