- Published:
- Wednesday 24 June 2015
The Andrews Labor Government will provide a further $1 million towards the redevelopment of Healesville Hospital.
The redevelopment of the hospital, operated by Eastern Health, will significantly increase access to a range of surgery, dialysis and community health services for the Healesville community.
Funding for the redevelopment of the hospital was first provided in 2010 by the previous Labor Government.
Since then, the scope of the redevelopment has expanded to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the local community.
The final tenders for project received this year have revealed the $7.8 million previously allocated to the redevelopment was not enough to deliver the full scope of the project to contemporary standards.
The Andrews Labor Government has now stepped in to deliver a further $1 million to fully fund the redevelopment.
This is in addition to the more than $560 million provided in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget to build new hospitals, expand and redevelop health and ambulance facilities and to purchase or upgrade equipment.
Progress will now move quickly on the redevelopment, with builders to be appointed by July and construction to commence in August.
The project will establish a new six-chair renal dialysis clinic in Healesville for the first time, with space to expand and meet demand in the future.
It will also feature a 13-bed acute general medical ward, a new operating theatre and outpatient ambulatory consulting services, as well as an expansion of the existing Yarra Valley Community Health Service.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy
“The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with the job of rebuilding Victoria’s health system. We’re investing an extra $1 million to ensure the redeveloped Healesville Hospital features first class design and materials.”
“Labor was first to earmark funds for Healesville Hospital in 2010 because we recognised then, and again now, that the ageing community hospital needed a significant revamp and expansion to meet growing community needs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes
“This redevelopment will mean Healesville residents can access high-quality health care closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Daniel Mulino
“Labor always invests in health and this extra money is proof of that.”