WIMMERA hospitals have been boosted with extra state government funding.
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The state government has announced its 2017-18 budget allocation for hospitals across the state.
The allocations include increased money for Wimmera hospitals
Wimmera Health Care Group will receive $60.4 million, up 5.8 per cent on the previous year; East Grampians Health Service will receive $20.7 million, up 6.4 per cent; and East Wimmera Health Service will receive $15.2 million, up three per cent.
Stawell Regional Health will receive $16.7 million, up 5.8 per cent; Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital will receive $4.2 million, up 1.8 per cent; West Wimmera Health Service will receive $20.4 million, up 2.7 per cent; and Rural Northwest Health will receive $11 million, up 4.9 per cent.
Wimmera Health Care Group acting chief executive Mark Knights said he was pleased with the addition funding.
“It is recognition of the hard work our staff do and the increase on demand within our service,” he said.
”It is 5.8 per cent growth in our funding and it really represents the increased work we are doing.
“Our patient numbers are increasing and this funding acknowledges that.”
Mr Knights said the additional money would be used to meet demands on the hospital’s inpatient services.
He said it would also be used for its hospital in the home and health independence programs.
Stawell Regional Health chief executive Liz McCourt said she was delighted to receive the ongoing support of the state government.
“A funding increase of 5.8 per cent will enable us to perform in excess of 100 additional surgical procedures this year,” she said.
“There is also more funding for people who require the home enteral nutrition program and further funding for capital equipment.”
Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said dedicated doctors and nurses did a remarkable job at health services across the Wimmera.
“This record boost gives them the support the need to keep saving lives and keep people healthy,” she said.
“The government’s increased funding will support hospitals to meet demand so patients can access the care they need and deserve, more quickly, no matter where they live.”