A new telephone and public announcement system will be installed at the Peter James Centre thanks to a $190,000 Brumby Government funding boost.
Visiting the health service in Burwood East today, Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the new communications system would help improve service delivery.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to deliver world-class health services to all Victorians,” Mr Andrews said.
“This funding will enable the Peter James Centre to replace their ageing Private Automated Branch Exchange (PABX) communications system which has become difficult to maintain.”
Mr Andrews said the new system at the Peter James Centre, which is part of Eastern Health, would be more reliable and minimise the risk of disruption to service delivery.
“Communication systems are crucial to the everyday functions of the facility,” he said.
Mr Andrews said the Brumby Government would deliver $20 million in 2008/09 through the Statewide Infrastructure Renewal Program to improve hospital buildings and infrastructure across Victoria.
“The renewal program supports the replacement and upgrade of engineering infrastructure such as boilers, chillers, electrical systems, lifts, lighting and air conditioning,” he said.
Member for Forest Hill Kirstie Marshall MP said Eastern Health would receive $490,000 through the program in 2009/10 and $675,000 in 2010/11.
“This funding for Eastern Health is another example of the Brumby Government’s commitment to ensure all people in Victoria have access to high-quality health services,” she said. “This funding for Eastern Health is another example of the Brumby
Government’s commitment to ensure all people in Victoria have access to
high-quality health services.”
Mr Andrews said in the 2007/08 Budget, the Brumby Government committed $80 million over four years to the Statewide Infrastructure Renewal Program.
“We are committed to providing Victorians with the best possible health services they need close to where they live,” he said.
He said that $1.5 million refurbishment works at the Peter James Centre were continuing on the South Ward to upgrade the 30 sub-acute adult mental health inpatient beds and associated facilities.
The refurbishment is expected to be completed in November.