The Allan Labor Government is continuing to deliver the best healthcare in Victoria's north-west, with new ultrasound and X-ray equipment now operational at Rural Northwest Health.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced new world-class healthcare technology available in the northern Wimmera and southern Mallee region.
The $220,000 project delivered through the Labor Government's Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF), involved the purchase and installation of new ultrasound and X-ray equipment at Rural Northwest Health's Warracknabeal Campus.
Rural Northwest Health has campuses in Warracknabeal, Hopetoun and Beulah which provide an extensive range of allied health and community-based services.
Ultrasound equipment is used to examine internal body structures and the new equipment is ensuring vital diagnostic services including investigations of organs, musculoskeletal and vascular systems and fetal development during pregnancy are availble to patients.
The new equipment is ensuring that local patients can access the medical care they need and deserve, without having to make a lengthy, 130-kilometre round trip to Ballarat to find a similar service.
This investment builds on more than $836,000 provided to Rural Northwest Health through the RHIF.
The RHIF - now worth $790 million - provides funding to rural and regional health services and agencies across Victoria so these services can continue to provide safe and efficient care to local communities.
Since establishing the RHIF in 2015, the Labor Government has funded more than 630 projects for regional health services - the largest investment ever dedicated to our rural and regional health services.
Applications to the eighth round of the RHIF recently closed, with more than 120 health services and agencies eligible for funding for projects that support the continued delivery of world-class healthcare to local communities.
More information on grant program guidelines or submitting future funding applications can be found by visiting vhba.vic.gov.au/health/regional-facilities/regional-health-infrastructure-fund.
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"The dedicated staff at Rural Northwest Health do a wonderful job and through initiatives like our Regional Health Infrastructure Fund we're supporting them to continue doing what they do best - save lives."
"This new vital diagnostic equipment will mean more people across the state's north-west can stay close to home and loved ones in accessing the medical care they need and deserve."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
"This upgrade means local healthcare services have the world-class equipment required to provide our community with the best care."
