10 March 2016

The Andrews Labor Government has fulfilled its commitment to open 101 new beds and points of care through the $200 million Beds Rescue Fund, less than one year after they were promised.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria, said the $200 million Fund had delivered three extra maternity beds to West Gippsland Hospital.

These now fully operational new maternity beds will mean an extra 200 women will be cared for each year, allowing more mothers-to–be to deliver their babies in the hospital of their choice.

Last year, former AMA Victoria President Dr Douglas Travis carried out the most comprehensive review ever undertaken into the capacity of Victoria’s hospitals.

In line with his recommendations, the 2015-16 Victorian Budget delivered $200 million to open 101 beds and points of care at hospitals across the state, which will treat nearly 20,000 extra patients every year.

While we have delivered on this promise to open 101 new beds and points of care in less than a year, the former Liberal Government, despite promising 800 new beds only managed to open 88 in three years.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“In less than a year, we have opened 101 new beds and points of care as promised – including three maternity beds for the West Gippsland Hospital in Warragul. 

“Under the former Liberal Government, patients were waiting too long in emergency departments and for elective surgery. This is no surprise given the Liberals opened just 88 beds in three years.”

“Our Beds Rescue Fund will mean 200 extra patients in the West Gippsland region, including Pakenham can receive maternity care”