The Victorian Government has outlined $13.68 billion for health spending in the Victorian 2012-13 State Budget, marking a $618 million increase over the last year.

 

Health Minister David Davis said the budget had balanced the growing needs of the health sector with maintaining fiscal responsibility.

 

Mr Davis said the highlights of the Government's health service expansion, redevelopment and building program included:

  • $46 million to provide 60 extra beds at Ballarat Base Hospital, and to honour the election commitment to build a helipad for the hospital, on top of a new multi-deck carpark;
  • $15 million to expand maternity services and establish an intensive care unit at Sunshine Hospital;
  • $23 million to build the new Charlton Hospital, co-funded with the Commonwealth, to replace the hospital that was damaged in the January 2011 floods;
  • $93 million for a major upgrade at Geelong Hospital, including 64 extra beds, care for older patients and a boost to cancer care;
  • $40 million to expand and reconfigure the Frankston Hospital emergency department, including a 12-bed short stay unit;
  • $10 million to upgrade Castlemaine Hospital, including a new second theatre;
  • $5 million for radiotherapy services in Warrnambool, to service south-west Victoria;
  • $20 million to redevelop and expand Kilmore Hospital, including 30 extra beds; and
  • $2 million to introduce chemotherapy services at Seymour Hospital.

 

Also announced was a further $59.6 million over the next four years to boost cancer research through the Victorian Cancer agency.

 

"The Victorian Cancer Agency provides a major co-ordinating role in cancer research in Victoria and this funding will ensure Victoria continues to progress vital work," Mr Davis said.

 

"Our initiative supports the activities of several cancer research and treatment facilities, including the $1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the Olivia Newton John Cancer & Wellness Centre, Monash Comprehensive Cancer Consortium and the regional cancer centres.”