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Residents in Melbourne’s west will have access to even better health services
with a $2 million equipment boost for Western Health.
Inspecting
progress on major building works at Sunshine Hospital yesterday, Health Minister
Daniel Andrews said the $2 million would fund the latest high-cost medical
equipment.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to give
Victorians a better health system, by building new hospitals and hiring more
doctors and nurses,” Mr Andrews said.
“This $73.5 million redevelopment
of Sunshine Hospital will include new university teaching and research
facilities, radiotherapy services and a refurbishment of the emergency
department.
“The new four-bunker radiotherapy facility will treat cancer
patients in conjunction with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
“This
will be the first public radiotherapy service in Melbourne’s west, reducing the
need for cancer patients to travel long distances for treatment.”
Mr
Andrews said the Teaching, Training and Research facility was a joint
partnership with Western Health, the Australian Government, the University of
Melbourne and Victoria University.
“It will include state-of-the-art
clinical training facilities for doctors, nurses and other allied health
professionals,” he said.
Building works are progressing on time with
construction expected to be completed later this year.
Mr Andrews said in
addition to the $73.5 million redevelopment at Sunshine, the Brumby Government
was also providing Western Health with $2 million to replace high-priority,
high-cost medical equipment as part of the 2009/10 Targeted Equipment
Program.
“Sunshine Hospital will receive $452,000 for four sterilisers in
its central sterilising department, while the Western Hospital will receive
$1.549 million to replace a mammography unit and a fluoroscopy unit in its
radiology department,” he said.
“This funding enables health services to
buy essential diagnostic and treatment equipment for vital procedures and
patient care.”
Member for Western Metropolitan Region Khalil Eideh said
Brumby Labor Government funding was providing Victorian hospitals with the most
modern and up-to-date equipment now available.
“Targeted equipment
funding enables Victorian hospitals to stay at the forefront of new technology
to ensure they continue to provide the best possible care to patients,” he
said.
“This latest funding for Western Health is an excellent example of
the Brumby Government’s commitment to ensure all Victorians can access
high-quality health care, no matter where they live.” |
