The Andrews Labor Government will begin planning for the next stages of development at Ballarat Health Services, including the fit-out of a shell space in the revamped hospital with even more operating theatres.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today announced a $4 million boost for Ballarat Health Services to celebrate the official opening of Ballarat Base Hospital’s modern, new Drummond St building.
Ballarat has been funded for four projects from the first round of the Labor Government’s $200 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund – the largest fund of its kind in Victorian history.
At Ballarat Base Hospital, we are providing $1 million to start planning for future needs of the Health Service, including the fit out of a shell space on level one of the new Drummond St building, which will enable the expansion of the existing Bolte Building ‘hot floor’ and includes additional theatres and support space.
We are also providing $1.5 million to replace six laparoscopic cameras in the existing operating suites, ensuring patients can access the very latest medical technology and enjoy better health outcomes.
Meanwhile at the Queen Elizabeth Centre, we are providing $1.32 million to replace chillers and $150,225 to expand wireless networks. This new engineering infrastructure will improve efficiency and reliability for staff and patients.
The $46.4 million redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital features a new main entry to the hospital, an extra 30 acute beds, a helipad and a new multi-level car park. This makes navigating the hospital much easier for patients, visitors and staff with better access to all areas from one central point.
The new Drummond St Building has been named the Gardiner-Pittard Building in honour of two pioneering women, Helen Gardiner and Mary Pittard who, in 1928, became the first women elected to the hospital board.
Construction is also underway on the hospital’s second cardiac catheterisation laboratory. We have provided $10 million to the project that will give people across western Victorian better access to cardiac surgery and care.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“In Ballarat, we’re making sure patients can get the safe, high quality care and surgeries they need by planning ahead now, for more operating theatres in the future.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“We’re making record investments in health so more patients here in Ballarat can get the treatment, care and surgeries they need sooner, closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“Our dedicated doctors and nurses in Ballarat do a remarkable job. We’re supporting them to save lives and keep locals healthy by giving them the modern facilities and equipment they truly deserve.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020