Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Big Boost for Regional Health Infrastructure FundHealth Care budget boosts for the Andrews Labor Government’s flagship Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. By Portal Admin - 13th May 2018 - Back to News
More patients in Gippsland will be able to get the health care they need closer to home, thanks to a Budget boost for the Andrews Labor Government’s flagship Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing, today announced the Victorian Budget 2018/19 will include a $50 million boost so more hospitals and health services can benefit from the fund – bringing the total investment up to $250 million.
So far, the fund has allocated money to 172 projects across the state over two rounds, including more than $29.4m for health services in Gippsland
In round one, we invested a total of $24,467,219 in Gippsland as follows:
| HEALTH SERVICE |
TYPE |
PROJECT |
AMOUNT |
| Bairnsdale Regional Health Service |
Sub Regional Health Service |
Replacement of existing Chiller system servicing the Theatre Complex and Medical/surgical ward - Bairnsdale Hospital. |
$273,500 |
| Bass Coast Health |
Sub Regional Health Service |
Replacement of Operating Theatre and Recovery Room air handling units - Wonthaggi Hospital. |
$611,000 |
| Bass Coast Health |
Sub Regional Health Service |
Replacement of two neo-natal resuscitation cots - Wonthaggi Hospital. |
$55,400 |
| Bass Coast Health |
Sub Regional Health Service |
Replacement of water filtration system - Wonthaggi Hospital. |
$437,500 |
| Bass Coast Health |
Sub Regional Health Service |
Installation of sprinkler system to all bed based areas - Wonthaggi Hospital. |
$985,350 |
| Bass Coast Health |
Sub Regional Health Service |
Replacement of Instrument Drying Cabinet - Wonthaggi Hospital. |
$17,143 |
| Bass Coast Health |
Sub Regional Health Service |
Replacement of the central chilled water plant and associated equipment - Wonthaggi Hospital. |
$982,000 |
| Buchan Bush Nursing Centre |
Bush Nursing Centre |
Upgrade of Motor Vehicle - Buchan Bush Nursing Centre. |
$18,309 |
| Central Gippsland Health Service |
Sub Regional Health Service |
Expansion of the surgical services at Sale Hospital to include major orthopaedic surgery. |
$4,126,691 |
| Gelantipy District Bush Nursing Centre |
Bush Nursing Centre |
Upgrade of Motor Vehicle - Gelantipy District Bush Nursing Centre. |
$28,388 |
| Latrobe Regional Hospital |
Regional Health Service |
Expansion of the Special Care Nursery to treat neonates - Latrobe Hospital. |
$2,621,000 |
| Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre |
Bush Nursing Centre |
Installation of CCTV system - Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre. |
$3,945 |
| Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre |
Bush Nursing Centre |
Installation of an automatic switch for the backup generator - Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre. |
$6,993 |
| West Gippsland Healthcare Group |
Sub Regional Health Service |
Establishment and operation of a 3rd Operating Room and required infrastructure |
$6,000,000 |
| West Gippsland Healthcare Group |
Sub Regional Health Service |
Establishment and operation of 8 bed Short Stay Unit |
$3,300,000 |
| West Gippsland Healthcare Group |
Sub Regional Health Service |
Planning for redevelopment Warragul Hospital |
$1,000,000 |
| Yarram and District Health Service |
Small Rural Health Service |
Constructing new integrated Healthcare Centre - Yarram Hospital. |
$4,000,000 |
Meanwhile, in round two, Gippsland received $5,017,806:
| HEALTH SERVICE |
PROJECT |
AMOUNT |
| Bairnsdale Regional Health Service |
Acute ward Nurse call bell infrastructure |
$605,400 |
| Bass Coast Health |
Body protection to patient care areas |
$124,072 |
| Bass Coast Health |
Replacement air handling units |
$512,000 |
| Bass Coast Health |
Replacement of Emergency Lift |
$315,000 |
| Bass Coast Health |
Replacement fire panel |
$287,080 |
| Bass Coast Health |
Medical Air compressors and back up medical air manifold system |
$205,600 |
| Cann Valley Bush Nursing Centre |
Bush Fire safety improvement |
$49,654 |
| Central Gippsland Health Service |
Air cooled Chiller Replacement |
$466,000 |
| Dargo Bush Nursing Centre |
Vehicle Replacement |
$43,412 |
| Dargo Bush Nursing Centre |
Mobile ICT device for client communication |
$3,823 |
| Ensay Bush Nursing centre |
Vehicle replacement and refurbishment of ambulance parking bay |
$82,000 |
| Gelantipy District Bush Nursing Centre |
Increase power efficiency |
$7,255 |
| Latrobe Community Health Service |
Expansion of dental prosthetic services |
$304,758 |
| South Gippsland Hospital |
Reconfiguration of operating theatre and maternity suite |
$1,650,000 |
| Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre |
Vehicle replacement |
$15,785 |
| Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre |
Vinyl flooring replacement |
$5,967 |
| West Gippsland Healthcare Group |
Sub acute bed relocation |
$250,000 |
| West Gippsland Healthcare Group |
Residential aged care ceiling track and equipment |
$90,000 |
| TOTAL |
|
$5,017,806 |
More round two projects will be announced over coming months.
This year’s boost will fund even more projects to improve the quality and safety of hospital infrastructure, meet growing demand for healthcare and provide world-class equipment to improve patient outcomes.
Last year’s Budget delivered $1.67 billion to support hospitals to meet demand and provide the care Victorian patients deserve, as well as $428.5 million in new hospital upgrades.
This is in stark contrast to Malcolm Turnbull who has declared his intention to short-change Victoria’s hospitals by $2.1 billion – and put patients at risk – with his proposed and deeply flawed National Health Reform Agreement.
Across Gippsland this will hit patients and local families hard.
The agreement Malcolm Turnbull put on the table would mean a $92.3m shortfall for Gippsland that’s the equivalent of 309 doctors, 738 nurses or 13,129 elective surgeries.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
"Support for our regional health services is about more than just words – it’s about delivering real investment to make sure patients get the care they need, no matter their postcode."
Quotes attributable to Member for Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing
"Every Victorian deserves access to quality care when they need it. Thanks to the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, we’re supporting our doctors and nurses to do just that."
"This Budget funding boost ensures that even more health services in Gippsland get the upgrades they need so more patients can be treated sooner, closer to home."
"Our investment is making a real difference to patients in Gippsland. We’re giving our dedicated doctors and nurses the modern facilities they need to save lives and keep us healthy."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care. - Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia. - East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies. - Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation. - Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Lightfoot Wines combines tradition, creativity, and Gippsland flavours with award-winning wines, regional platters, and scenic views
Perched on a limestone bluff above the Mitchell River, Lightfoot Wines blends tradition and innovation, offering tastings, regional platters, and acclaimed wines, cementing its role in Gippsland's food and drink scene. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. - Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program. - Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation. - Omeo Justice Precinct draft masterplan unveiled to preserve heritage, enhance community use, and boost economy
Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination. - Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate. - Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection. - Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes. - Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections.
|
|
