Western Health has received a $1.5 million boost for medical equipment, courtesy of the State Government.

Visiting the Western Hospital in Footscray, Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the funding boost was part of a $25 million package this year for public hospitals around the state to buy much-needed medical equipment.

'The funding of $1.56 million worth of equipment will go to three key western region hospitals—the Western Hospital, Sunshine Hospital and Williamstown Hospital.

'The Western Hospital will receive $700,000, earmarked for patient monitors for the anaesthetic-induction room, recovery room and day procedures unit and monitors for the operating room.

'Victorian hospitals need to stay abreast of developments in medical science and technology to ensure they continue to provide the best possible care to their patients.

'This funding will enable these hospitals to take advantage of advances in medical technology and buy the latest equipment, to allow them to be more efficient and cater for greater patient demand.'

Ms Pike announced the extra funding while inspecting the cardiac catheter laboratory—which received $1.33 million from the Government last year.

'This state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheter Laboratory has already been a major boon for people living in Melbourne's west, treating more than 1,000 people since it began operation in August.

'Minimally-invasive procedures performed using the cardiac catheter laboratory use 3-D images to help investigate, diagnose and treat complex cardiac problems.

'In some cases, it is allowing people to get potentially life-saving heart and vascular treatment at the Western Hospital and then be home that same day.'