The Allan Labor Government is continuing to make care more accessible in Norlane - delivering a new state-of-the-art MRI machine at Barwon Health North so more locals can get the scans they need, sooner and closer to home.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne joined Member for Lara Ella George to visit the Norlane campus to view the new MRI machine, made possible thanks to a $2.9 million grant from the Labor Government's Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).
In addition to the new MRI machine, this funding also helped to deliver a new service area fit-out and a radio-frequency shield to support safe and effective operation for healthcare workers and patients.
An MRI machine is an important diagnostic tool for doctors - using strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissue such as organs and muscles, which are used to investigate or diagnose conditions such as cancer, joint and spinal injury or disease.
This latest machine at Barwon Health North brings the total number of MRI machines for publicly funded screening services in the region to five - reducing wait times and reducing travel time for local families.
Building on other critical healthcare investments - including upgraded operating theatres, a wireless cardiac monitoring system and new emergency department equipment - this latest project brings the Labor Government's total RHIF support for Barwon Health to more than $19.8 million.
The RHIF - now worth $790 million - provides important 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 fund in 2015, the Labor Government has helped to support more than 677 projects for regional health services - the largest investment ever dedicated to our rural and regional health services.
More information on grant program guidelines or submitting future funding applications can be found by visiting vhba.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne
"By investing in new equipment and infrastructure upgrades like this MRI machine at Barwon Health North, we're ensuring that all Victorians can access the care they need, when they need it."
"RHIF is an important initiative that is helping to improve our regional health services now and for the future - supporting both patients and the dedicated staff who care for them."
As stated by the Member for Lara Ella George
"Whether it's a scan for treatment or surgery, we're making it easier for residents in Geelong's north to get the care they require sooner, getting them better and back on their feet."
