- Published:
- Wednesday 21 February 2018
Victorian hospitals will share in more than $60 million in funding to secure state-of-the-art medical equipment, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Jill Hennessy visited Alfred Hospital today to announce recipients of the latest rounds of the Medical Equipment Replacement Program and Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program.
Alfred Health will receive $2.8 million for three heart lung bypass units, a cardiac ultrasound, a digital mammography unit, a neurosurgical operating room table and other specialist pathology equipment used for patient analysis, diagnosis and treatment.
Ten other hospitals right across the state are receiving the latest life-saving equipment, such as Cardiac Catheter Laboratories, Operating Room Microscopes and Gamma Cameras.
The Government is also upgrading vital infrastructure at 13 hospitals across the state to give patients and staff world-class care and working environments, installing heating and air-conditioning systems, and lift upgrades.
But while the Labor Government is investing in vital, lifesaving medical equipment, Malcolm Turnbull and the Federal Liberals have declared their intention to short-change Victoria’s hospitals by $2.1 billion – and that will put patients at risk.
Under Malcolm Turnbull’s proposed National Health Reform Agreement 2020/21 to 2024/25, the Liberals are refusing to pay their fair share and will cap their contribution at 6.5 per cent growth. It won’t meet demand in our hospitals.
Malcolm Turnbull’s plan will rip $160.1 million from Alfred Health – that’s the equivalent of 537 fewer doctors, 1,281 fewer nurses or 25,789 fewer elective surgeries.
This is on top of the $104 million Malcolm Turnbull already owes Victorian hospitals and patients – but is refusing to pay – and the cuts already inflicted on Victorian patients since the Liberals came to power.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“While Malcolm Turnbull and the Liberals continue to short-change our hospitals, we’re giving them the tools and equipment they need to provide the very best patient care.”
“A world-class health system needs the latest life-saving equipment. That’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“Our investment will mean better hospitals, better equipment, more reliable health infrastructure and faster care for all Victorians.”
“You can’t trust the Liberals when it comes to healthcare – all they do is cut. “