The Allan Labor Government is delivering world-class surgical facilities to locals across the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region, with important upgrade works now complete at Daylesford Health.
Minister for Health Infrastructure and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today inspected the refurbished operating theatre - made possible by a $6.14 million grant as part of the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).
The works also included upgrades to the patient waiting area, recovery and admission areas, as well as the sterile stock storage area and the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) processing area - replacing ageing patient monitoring and CSSD medical equipment.
The upgrade is now supporting the hospital's dedicated doctors and nurses to deliver more surgery and get more locals off waiting lists and into surgery and treatment, sooner - and closer to home.
With the region's growing population, new and better facilities will also ensure that Daylesford Health and health service Central Highlands Rural Health is better placed to meet increasing demand for surgical services in future.
RHIF provides vital funding to rural and regional health services and agencies across Victoria so they can continue to provide high quality care to local communities. It is the largest program of its type in Victoria with total investment now reaching $790 million since establishment in 2016.
This latest investment brings to more than $13 million the total amount of infrastructure funding provided to Central Highlands Rural Health by the Labor Government - including more than $1.36 million through the Surgical Equipment Innovation Fund to purchase laparoscopic equipment, endoscopy scopes and other equipment.
More than $1.34 million has also been delivered via the Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program toward projects including new heating hot water boilers and upgrades to the facility's water plant and power.
The Labor Government has made unprecedented investments in Victoria's health system, with more than $59 billion in additional investments since coming to government - ensuring all Victorians have access to the care, treatment and support they need, when they need it.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"With the completion of this multi-million-dollar upgrade at Daylesford Hospital, we're ensuring that more locals across the region can get the care they need, closer to home now and into the future."
"This upgrade will help our hardworking local doctors and nurses to get people off the surgical waiting list sooner, while making delivering this care more efficient."
