Wonthaggi Hospital’s expanded emergency department is up and running, thanks to a $3 million Brumby Labor Government funding boost.
Visiting Bass Coast Regional Health today, Health Minister Daniel Andrews officially opened the upgraded facility and said the improvements would cater for growing demand in the hospital’s emergency department.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to give Victorians a better health system, by building new hospitals and health services and hiring more doctors and nurses,” he said.“This $1.8 million expansion of Wonthaggi’s emergency department will
help the health service meet the demand from a growing population.”
“This $1.8 million expansion of Wonthaggi’s emergency department will help the health service meet the demand from a growing population.”
Mr Andrews announced that another $1.2 million would be spent upgrading the hospital’s maternity ward and central sterilising services department by the end of the year.
“The maternity ward will be transformed by creating three new integrated labour, birthing and room suites,” Mr Andrews said.
“The nursery, waiting and utility areas will also be refurbished, making it a much better environment for mothers, babies, their families and staff.
“The upgrade of the sterilising area will improve work flow and facilities within the operating theatre.”
Mr Andrews said the redevelopments acknowledged Wonthaggi’s role as a vital health service in the area.
“This $3 million boost is a further example of our Government’s commitment to ensuring patients in country Victoria can access to the very best health services, close to home,” he said.
“These improvements further support Bass Coast Regional Health in providing high quality, 24-hour, fully funded and staffed emergency services to the community.”
Member for Eastern Victoria John Scheffer said expansion of the emergency department, completed by two local building companies, included construction of two additional patient cubicles, a multi-purpose consulting room, a triage area and improved patient waiting areas, radiology, staff and storage facilities.
“The Victorian Government allocated $153.2 million in the last State Budget to the regional hospital building program, which is delivering world-class hospitals and health facilities for regional Victorian communities,” he said.