The Brumby Government has provided a massive funding boost to Ballarat Health with the vital health service to receive $120.18 million this financial year, about $6.83 million more than in 2007/08.
Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the boost means Ballarat Health has had its funding increased by 98.5 per cent since 1999.
Visiting Ballarat Hosptial, Mr Andrews said the money was part of the Government's record investment in health services for all Victorians – a 112 per cent increase in hospital funding since 1999.
“Ballarat Health will this financial year receive $59.65 million more than what it was given in 1999/2000,” Mr Andrews said.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to deliver quality health services for all Victorians.
“We are turning around our health system
by significantly increasing hospital budgets, so that patients get the
support and treatment they need."“Record funding enables Ballarat Health to treat record numbers of patients, whether it’s emergency procedures, elective surgery or other vital health services.”
Mr Andrews said Victoria’s hospitals will this year get a combined $5.562 billion – up by $311.6 million on the previous year, an overall increase of 5.9 per cent.
The funding boost will enable hospitals to provide an extra 33,500 outpatient appointments and treat an additional 60,000 patients in emergency departments.
“Hospital budgets are now in the black and more than 60 hospitals and aged care facilities have been rebuilt or upgraded as part of our capital works program,” Mr Andrews said.
“We are turning around our health system by significantly increasing hospital budgets, so that patients get the support and treatment they need, close to home.”
Member for Ballarat West Karen Overington MP welcomed the funding boost.
“This will give the hospital the resources it needs to continue its first-class work in treating patients,” she said.
Member for Ballarat East Geoff Howard MP said the Brumby Government was committed to providing world-class health services close to all Victorians, regardless of where they live.
“We’re getting on with the business of delivering state-of-the-art healthcare that benefits all Victorians,” he said.