The government announced its funding contributions to Wimmera hospitals this week.

Wimmera Health Care Group will receive $51.5 million next year, a $2.21 million increase on last year’s funding.

Rural North West Health will get $10.19 million, up $163,000 on last year’s allocation.

West Wimmera Health Service will get $16.95 million, an increase of $275,000.

Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital’s budget will be handed $4.31 million from the State Government, $74,000 more than last year.

Dunkmunkle Health Services is in line for $2.9 million in State Government cash, a $50,000 increase.

Health Minister David Davis said since cuts were delivered in the Federal Budget, the State Government had been working to determine the final outcome for health services. 

“Commonwealth funding allocations involve complex calculations under new arrangements,” he said.

“Victoria’s submission was largely accepted, which means an increase in funding from the Commonwealth.

“This funding growth will significantly offset losses due to the termination of the sub-acute National Partnership Agreement.”

Mr Davis used the announcement to criticise the Opposition for ‘scare mongering’ while the final outcome was being determined. 

“Daniel Andrews and Gavin Jennings have been running around the countryside, like Chicken Little, saying the sky was falling in,” he said.

“They were wrong. They now have egg on their face and they should apologise for misleading the Victorian community.

“The funding boost will enable our hospitals to continue treating record numbers of patients.”