Thursday, 30 March 2017

More Gippsland patients will get the high quality care they need sooner thanks to an Andrews Labor Government funding boost to upgrade surgical service at Sale Hospital.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing today announced Central Gippsland Health Service would receive $4,126,691 through the first round of the Labor Government’s new Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.

The $200 million fund – the largest of its kind in Victorian history – will rebuild rural and regional hospitals to ensure all Victorians can access the high quality care and facilities they need, no matter where they live.

An investment of over $4million will see the expansion of surgical services to include major orthopaedic surgery.  The capacity for these additional services will come from a new operating theatre, anaesthetic bay, operating theatre set-up and sterile stack areas.

Commencing construction in early 2018, this work is due to be completed by early 2019.

These services will increase the number of patients who can be treated closer to home, especially those who had to go further afield for orthopaedic services.

The Victorian Budget 2016/17 provided an extra $2.45 billion for health so hospitals can admit more patients, reduce waiting times, upgrade buildings and infrastructure, and keep Victorians healthy.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“We’re putting patients and clients first by upgrading and modernising rural and regional health services throughout Gippsland, and supporting Sale Hospital to continue its life-saving work.”

“This investment will strengthen the future of Sale’s health service and make a real difference to the lives of patients and clients who will be able to get the safe, high quality care and treatment they need.”

“The dedicated doctors, nurses, specialists and staff at Sale Hospital and its allied health providers change lives for the better every day – and this funding will accommodate population growth and diversity in patient numbers and presentations.”

Photo courtesy of The Gippsland Times