The Allan Labor Government is continuing to deliver the best healthcare for communities along the Murray River, with plans progressing for a major upgrade at Cohuna District Hospital.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today announced builder, Fairbrother, has been appointed to deliver the $6.9 million project, which will see the construction of a new and state-of-the-art theatre complex.
The Labor Government is delivering a total of $6.3 million through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) to complete the project, adding to local fundraising efforts and a generous family bequest.
The project involves upgrading the hospital's existing Operating Theatre Suite and Central Sterile Services Department to provide a modern, streamlined and efficient working environment at Cohuna District Hospital.
This includes new Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) beds and facilities, and upgrades to the hospital's fire safety capabilities and delivery of a new water filtration system.
Once completed, the project will ensure more local patients can access the surgical procedures they need, closer to home, without having to travel to larger towns or Melbourne. It will also create an improved working environment, helping the health service boost recruitment and retention efforts.
Overseen by the Victorian Health Building Authority, in partnership with Cohuna District Hospital, the project is due to start in October 2024, with completion slated for August 2025.
This latest funding brings the amount invested through the RHIF in Cohuna District Health to more than $6.9 million for projects, including an urgent care centre equipment upgrade, a pathology centre and clinical store relocation and a theatre and peri-operative unit refurbishment.
With more than 675 projects funded across rural and regional health Victoria, the program is ensuring communities continue to be able to access high quality care, no matter where they live. Work delivering these projects will also support the creation of hundreds of jobs across the state.
Since establishing the RHIF in 2016, the Labor Government has delivered more than $790 million for regional health services - the largest investment ever dedicated to our rural and regional health services.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
"This multi-million-dollar project will ensure more locals living in Cohuna and surrounding areas can access the care and treatment they need, closer to home and closer to their support network."
"The project will also support the dedicated staff at Cohuna District Hospital by providing them with the facilities they need to do what they do best - save and improve lives."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"The new state-of-the-art theatre complex will help attract more health professionals, making it easier and even more appealing to make the move to the area."
