Premier

Major Infrastructure Upgrade For Wonthaggi Hospital

15 March 2018

More Bass Coast patients will get the care they need sooner thanks to an Andrews Labor Government funding boost to upgrade critical infrastructure at Wonthaggi Hospital.

Premier Daniel Andrews today joined hospital staff to announce that Bass Coast Health would receive a $1.9 million funding boost to fit Wonthaggi Hospital with the latest air handling systems, alongside other crucial safety upgrades to boost patient outcomes and improve working conditions for staff.

The Labor Government’s $200 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) – 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.

The funding boost for Bass Coast Health will improve the quality and safety of facilities for patients, visitors and staff alike. Upgrades include the replacement of an emergency lift, five air handling units in patient care areas, new medical air compressors and the installation of improved emergency back-up and warning systems.

The latest hospital infrastructure will mean Bass Coast Health can perform more surgeries and reduce cancellations – and improve working conditions for hard-working hospital staff.

The latest funding comes on top of $3 million provided to Bass Coast Health in the first round of RHIF for infrastructure and medical equipment upgrades.

The Victorian Budget 2017/18 delivered $1.67 billion to support hospitals meet demand and provide the high quality care Victorian patients deserve, including $428.5 million in new hospital upgrades. In 2017/18, Bass Coast Health will receive $43.876 million in funding from the Labor Government – this is $5.4 million more than last year.

This is in stark contrast to Malcolm Turnbull and Greg Hunt, 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.

Across Bass Coast, this will hit patients and local families hard. The agreement Malcolm Turnbull and Greg Hunt put on the table would mean a $8.6 million shortfall for Bass Coast Health – that’s the equivalent of 29 fewer doctors, 69 fewer nurses or 1,383 fewer surgeries.

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“We’re taking action to fit Wonthaggi Hospital with the latest, cutting edge infrastructure that will allow hard-working hospital staff to treat more patients sooner, and closer to their homes.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Our doctors, nurses and health workers across the Bass Coast region work tirelessly every day to provide their patients with the best possible care.”

“Unlike Greg Hunt who refuses to support local health workers as the Coalition cuts hospital funding, we’re determined to provide safer, more reliable and modern facilities as the population grows.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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