- Published:
- Tuesday 11 February 2020
Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy today officially opened the new Numurkah District Health Service, marking a major milestone in the town’s recovery from the devastating 2012 floods.
The hospital’s buildings were left permanently unstable after floods inundated the town and caused severe damage in March 2012.
The redeveloped facilities include 16 multi-day beds, six same-day treatment spaces, an operating theatre, imaging services, and an urgent care centre.
Patients will be admitted to the new hospital from next Monday, which means they and their families will no longer have to travel to Shepparton and beyond for treatment.
The new facilities provide a modern ‘one-stop shop’ for a range of integrated health services, including a new community health centre which will be opened next month.
The Minister also opened the new Numurkah Ambulance Branch on site, with direct links to the hospital.
The new 24-hour branch is home to 11 paramedics and two vehicles, and features a training area, rest recline rooms, kitchen, lounge and other amenities. It replaces the old Numurkah branch that had been in operation since 1959.
The Andrews Labor Government is investing in the health of all Victorians, and provided an extra $1.38 billion for hospitals, ambulances and health programs in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy
“I’m delighted to officially open the new Numurkah District Health Service, which will see local residents receive the care they need closer to home.”
“The 2012 floods caused severe damage to this region, and I pay tribute to the inspiring resilience of the local community.”
“The new ambulance branch is a modern facility that will better support our paramedics and their life-saving work.”