The Allan Labor Government is ensuring locals in Inglewood and across towns in East Wimmera have access to the best health care, delivering funding for vital health infrastructure upgrades.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today announced more than $7.7 million has been awarded through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) to upgrade infrastructure at Inglewood and Districts Health Service and the East Wimmera Health Service, building on more than $14.7 million in previous RHIF funding.
In Inglewood, $5.1 million in funding will enable the renovation and upgrade of the hospital‘s Urgent Care and Acute Services building.
The project is creating more comfortable spaces for patient recovery, including a refurbished facility with isolation bay and eight single acute care rooms. While new staff facilities, including a new clinical workstation will provide a more efficient working environment.
While $2.6 million will deliver safer and standardised fire suppression systems at three East Wimmera Health Service sites in St Arnaud, Donald and Wycheproof campuses – this includes hydrant and fire suppression systems, water storage, water pressure and associated connections.
This includes more than $2.6 million for a new Student Accommodation & Allied Health Precinct at the Inglewood and Districts Health Service and more than $2.3 million for the renovation of East Wimmera Health‘s Birchip campus and Aged Care Facility.
Across Victoria the latest round of RHIF grants is supporting rural and regional hospitals, community health services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to ensure they can continue to provide safe and efficient care to local communities.
With 45 projects across 39 rural and regional health services, the program is ensuring communities continue to have access to high quality care, no matter where they live, while also supporting hundreds of jobs across the state.
Established by the Labor Government in 2016 and overseen by the Victorian Health Building Authority, the RHIF program is now worth $790 million, making it the largest ever dedicated grants program in Victoria’s history. To date, it has delivered more than 675 projects funded for regional health services.
More information vhba.vic.gov.au/health/regional-facilities/regional-health-infrastructure-fund.
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“We are supporting health services in towns like Inglewood, St Arnaud, Donald and Wycheproof – ensuring locals have access to the best care closer to home.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
“Improved facilities and systems in Inglewood and St Arnaud will ensure our hardworking rural health services can continue delivering personalised care in a safer and more comfortable workplace.”
