Monday, 2 October, 2017

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a $115 million boost to give Victoria’s busy hospitals relief from a massive surge in demand following one of Victoria’s worst-ever flu seasons.

Today, Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing announced that local health services and Bush Nursing Services will share in a special funding support package, with an additional $4,840,318 for Gippsland health services.

This year’s flu season has resulted in sustained pressure on Victoria’s health system with more than 14,000 flu cases reported across Victoria so far.

Over winter there has been a surge in people visiting emergency departments. In August alone, more than 3,900 people visited emergency departments each day – the largest ever for August on record.

Hospitals right across the state have risen to the challenge, dedicating significant resources and staff to providing Victorians world class care this winter and flu season.

This funding package will support local hospitals to ensure a record number of patients can get the care they need from emergency departments faster, for the remainder of the year. Local hospitals that will benefit from this boost are:

Flu package funding allocation Funding Allocation

Bairnsdale Regional Health Service $322,349
Bass Coast Health $1,169,626
Central Gippsland Health Service $635,869
Gippsland Southern Health Service $168,000
Kooweerup Regional Health Service $69,494
Latrobe Regional Hospital $642,872
Omeo District Hospital $17,979
Orbost Regional Health $44,863
South Gippsland Hospital $20,240
West Gippsland Healthcare Group $1,628,793
Yarram and District Health Service $60,233
Cann Valley Bush Nursing Centre Inc $10,000
Dargo Bush Nursing Centre Inc $10,000
Ensay Bush Nursing Centre Inc $10,000
Gelantipy District Bush Nursing Centre Inc $10,000
Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre Inc $10,000
The Buchan Bush Nursing Association Inc $10,000

Quicker hospital transfer times will also enable paramedics to get back on the road sooner and save more lives. People waiting for elective surgery will also benefit with more people than ever expected to receive surgery in 2017/18.

This boost is another part of the Labor Government’s actions to manage the flu season and meet rising demand on the health system. While the peak is coming to an end, hospitals continue to urge patients with less severe illnesses to contact their GP, a pharmacist – including Victoria’s 24/7 Supercare Pharmacies – or NURSE-ON-CALL.

The extra $115 million boost comes on top the record $1.67 billion provided in the Victorian Budget 2017/18 to support hospitals to meet demand and provide high quality, safer care to patients, no matter where they live.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy:

“This flu season has hit us hard. Every single one of our public hospitals has been working overtime so Victorians can continue to have access to the care they need – when they need it.”

“Our dedicated doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare workers have done a remarkable job in the face of unprecedented demand – ensuring patients are receiving the first class care they deserve.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“Hospitals and health services all over Gippsland have been really feeling the pressure this flu season. This crucial, additional funding will better equip our local hospitals and health care professionals to keep delivering the quality care our patients deserve, closer to their homes and families.”