The Andrews Labor Government is providing $10 million to build and equip a new cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Ballarat Base Hospital.
Announced in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget, this new funding will give cardiac patients in Ballarat and across Western Victoria better access to state-of-the-art cardiac surgery and care, closer to home.
National Heart Foundation data shows 32.3 per cent of people in Ballarat have cardiovascular disease – the highest rate in Victoria, and second highest nationwide.
Cardiac catheterisation laboratories – 'cath labs' – are used for procedures such as stenting, angiography, inserting pacemakers and implantable defibrillators.
The new cath lab at Ballarat Hospital will significantly increase the capacity of cardiac services in the region, with benefits also flowing to critical care, inpatient care and ambulance services.
The Labor Government is investing in hospitals and new equipment across the state, with an additional $2.1 billion over the next four years.
This includes $970 million extra for hospitals in both metropolitan and regional Victoria to care for more patients.
It also includes $200 million for a Hospital Beds Rescue Fund which will open new beds and points of care at hospitals across the state, including new short stay medical beds at Ballarat Base Hospital that will allow an additional 689 patients to be treated every year.
Other regional health services that will benefit from the Hospital Beds Rescue Fund include Bendigo Health, Castlemaine Health, Yarrawonga District Health Service, Bass Coast Regional Health, Echuca Regional Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Creswick District Hospital, Seymour Health, West Gippsland Health Care Group, Kilmore & District Hospital, Kyabram & District Health Service, Mildura Base Hospital, and Albury Hospital.
Compared to the previous Liberal Government’s last State Budget, the Labor Government is investing more than three times the amount for new and upgraded hospitals and equipment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy
“We're investing in the health of all Victorians and in health services across the state."
“Cardiovascular disease is a big problem in this region. We’re helping more Victorians in this region get the world-class care they need, closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree, Sharon Knight
"This new cardiac service will save lives in Ballarat and across Western Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard
"The new cath lab will ensure that more people in our region can get the lifesaving treatment they need closer to home.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020