More Wyndham patients will get the world-class care they deserve with the Andrews Labor Government giving hospitals across the state the latest life-saving medical equipment and upgrading vital infrastructure.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced Mercy Health was one of 27 Victorian health services that will share in $60 million from the latest funding round of the Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program and Medical Equipment Replacement Program. Mercy Health will receive a total of $1,160,767.89 between Werribee Mercy Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women through these two programs.

Cutting-edge equipment funded as part of the Medical Equipment Replacement Program include CT scanners, digital x-ray units, ultrasounds and heart imaging equipment such as transesophageal echocardiogram units.

Health services will also receive funding through the Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program to upgrade or replace important equipment including generators, chillers, emergency lighting, patient lifts and water and fire service upgrades.

A further $100 million will deliver 76 infrastructure improvement projects at 54 regional health services, funded through the fourth round of the Labor Government’s landmark Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF). This latest RHIF investment includes operating theatre refurbishments, new waiting rooms and hospital beds, accessible paths and ramps, additional consulting rooms and expansion projects and equipment upgrades. The RHIF received a further boost in the Victorian Budget 2020-21 with an additional $120 million bringing total funding to $470 million and is the largest program of its type in Victoria.

The Budget also provided a $50 million boost to the Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program and $35 million boost to the Medical Equipment Replacement Program.

Submissions for the next round of Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program and Medical Equipment Replacement Program open on 16 December 2020 and close on 8 February 2021.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley

“We’re giving our dedicated doctors and nurses the equipment they need to do their job and save lives.”

“This funding will help hospitals across the state deliver the high-quality care Victorians deserve.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“The Andrews Labor Government is investing in hospitals right across the state and our dedicated doctors, nurses, and patients are all set to benefit – including right here in the Wyndham community.”

“This funding means Werribee Mercy Health can continue to deliver world-class care for Wyndham families.”