Monday, 27 March 2017

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing today announced four East Gippsland health services would receive a total of $331,135 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.

Bairnsdale hospital will receive $273,800 to replace aged infrastructure servicing its Theatre complex and the Medical/surgical ward.

Buchan Bush Nursing Centre and Gelantipy District Bush Nursing Centre will each upgrade a vehicle which ensures reliability in providing nursing care and emergency response in these communities.

Staff safety and the continuity of power are being met at Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre, with funding for the installation of a CCTV system and a wireless doorbell chime, along with the installation of an automatic switch for the backup generator.

This investment will mean better and safer care for patients and modern facilities for staff.

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 first and improving health services from Bairnsdale to Swifts Creek so that more patients in East Gippsland can be treated sooner, closer to home.”

“Our investment in improvements for Bairnsdale, Buchan, Gelantipy and Swifts Creek services will improve local health and treatment services and make a real difference to patients and their families.”

“Our dedicated doctors, nurses and health workers from Bairnsdale to the border do a remarkable job and this funding will support them in their lifesaving work.”