$11.4 million boost for hospital equipment funding

The Government has provided an extra $11.4 million to enable public hospitals across the State to buy much-needed equipment, says Health Minister John Thwaites.

Mr Thwaites said the grants covered ‘big-ticket’ pieces of equipment that the hospitals could not readily purchase through their budgets.

‘Victorian hospitals need to stay abreast of developments in medical science and technology to ensure they continue to provide the best possible care to patients,’ he said.

‘This funding will enable hospitals to purchase the latest equipment and improve the quality of care they provide to patients.

‘The funds include $2 million to the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre as part of the cost of replacing its PET camera and $850,000 for a gamma camera at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

‘Hospitals in the outer areas of Melbourne also benefited from the grants with Frankston Hospital receiving $321,200 for ultrasound equipment and Maroondah Hospital $300,000 for an ultrasound machine.

‘Many regional and small rural hospitals also received funding to buy important items such as x-ray units, sterilisation equipment and anaesthetic equipment.’

Mr Thwaites said the grants are part of a $53.5 million allocation being provided to hospitals for equipment needs this year.

The wider grants include funding for special equipment programs such as the nurse back injury prevention program, renal dialysis and infection control.

Mr Thwaites said the Government was committed to a major upgrade of hospital equipment and the development of a longer-term equipment funding strategy.

‘The Government is committed to a strong public hospital system which is properly equipped to provide patients with the best care and treatment possible,’ he said.