The Victorian Government is ensuring people in Mildura and the northern Mallee region have health services that meet the unique needs of the local community now and in the future.
Minister for Health Martin Foley today released the $1 million Mildura and Northern Mallee Regional Health Plan, a blueprint for integrated service delivery across the region to support the wellbeing of local communities.
The plan outlines how to best integrate the Mildura Base Public Hospital with other local health services, a year after the hospital was returned to public hands - after more than two decades under a private operator.
During the pandemic, north east Victoria saw first-hand how important it is for local health services to be part of a wider public health system - this plan will strengthen this connection and ensure improved health outcomes.
Targeting resources to community needs and more care delivered across the region via telehealth will support primary and secondary intervention and prevention.
There will also be strengthened engagement with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through improved cultural safety and competencies across the region's health services.
The plan is supported by $2.1 million being invested by the Government for service development and capital planning for the Mildura Base Public Hospital and a further $2.5 million for health services across the region as part of the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
This investment includes $278,000 for the Red Cliffs & Community Aged Care Service's Jacaranda Village for technology and infrastructure upgrades.
More than $600,000 is being provided to the Sunraysia Community Health Service to upgrade its Central Sterile Services Department ensuring the health service can continue best practice infection-control measures. This funding will also enable upgrades for safety and security systems at Sunraysia Community Health Service sites.
In addition, $1.5 million is being invested in Swan Hill District Health for a new Central Sterile Services Department and $173,000 is being delivered to Robinvale District Health Service for fire service upgrades.
This funding builds on the Government's $8.86 million investment in the Mildura Base Hospital for an eight-bed intensive care unit, an eight-bed paediatric ward and replacement of operating theatre equipment in the leading up to the hospital returning to public hands.
For more information on the Mildura and Northern Mallee Regional Health Plan visit: health.vic.gov.au//hospitals-and-health-services/health-system-design-planning
As stated by Minister for Health Martin Foley
"We're continuing to invest in health services in Mildura and the northern Mallee region, ensuring the local community has access to the care they need close to home."
"The Liberals and Nationals wiped their hands of health care for Victorians living in the north west of our state - we care about the health and safety of all Victorians no matter where they live. "
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
"Everyone deserves quality health care close to home - we're delivering just that for Victorians in the north west."
