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Doors have opened on the brand new $18 million Nathalia District Hospital, boosting access to vital health services in the region for local families.
Health Minister Daniel Andrews today toured the new health and aged care facility, which replaces the original community hospital built in the 1890s.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to give Victorians a better health system, by building new hospitals and health centres and hiring more doctors and nurses,” Mr Andrews said.
“This new hospital will provide a major boost for families in the Hume Region, and is a vital part of our commitment to the ongoing improvement of health and aged care services for all Victorians, regardless of where they live.”
Mr Andrews said the Brumby Government delivered $18 million to build a new hospital and residential aged care service in Nathalia.
“Nathalia now has a state-of-the-art hospital of which local residents can be truly proud,” he said.
“I would also like to congratulate the builders who delivered this outstanding facility on time and within budget.”
Mr Andrews said the new facility had six acute health beds, 20 high care residential aged care beds, an emergency stabilisation area, a General Practice clinic, allied health unit, day programs unit and rooms for visiting consultants in addition to administration, staff and facility support areas.
“This building is substantially larger than the previous Nathalia District Hospital that served this community for over 110 years,” he said.
“The modern new hospital incorporates energy efficient and cutting-edge facilities and equipment that will service the health and aged care needs of Nathalia and District well into the future.
“This is an excellent example of the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to promoting the health and well-being of rural Victorians and strengthening country health services.”
Member for Northern Victoria Kaye Darveniza said in addition to the new facility, the Brumby Government had also provided a massive funding boost for Nathalia District Hospital.
“Nathalia District Hospital’s base funding has increased from $936,000 in 1999/2000 to $1.7 million in 2009/10,” she said.
“The Brumby Labor Government’s record investment in rural hospitals will enable more patients to receive first-class health care, close to where they live.” |
