Australian gov't invests $49.72m in health projects for Victoria

This is the 9th funding round under the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.

The Australian Government will fund 47 more health services worth approximately $49.72m (AU$75m) in regional Victoria in the 9th round of Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).

Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan today visited Bendigo Health to fund 61 projects and upgrades, including theatre refurbishments, expansions, equipment upgrades as well as funding to plan and design future projects.

“We’re upgrading hospitals right across regional Victoria – making sure that no matter where you live, all Victorians can access the best health care in the very best facilities," according to Allan.

Bendigo Health will receive $1.98 m (AU$3m) for new surgical equipment, including a laparoscopy system, which will help to expand surgical capacity and reduce waitlists for women with chronic conditions like endometriosis.

The health service will also receive $795,533 (AU$1.2m) to upgrade its orthopedic and plastics tools.

The 9th round of funding will build on projects at Bendigo Health, including a new 15-bed wing at Golden Oaks Nursing Home and Central Sterile Department upgrades and bedside medical device upgrades.

Albury Wodonga Health will receive $2.92m (AU$4.4m) to expand its satellite renal dialysis unit, home dialysis service and Albury campus dialysis service.

‍Mansfield District Hospital will receive a $2.39 (AU$3.6m) grant to redevelop its operating theatre and Urgent Care Centre.

Whilst in Western Victoria, Beaufort and Skipton Health Service will receive $1.52m (AU$2.3m) to convert existing double rooms to single rooms and add three more single rooms at the Beaufort Nursing Home.

Since establishing the RHIF in 2016, the Labor Government has funded more than 675 projects for regional health services.