Residents in Robinvale and Manangatang and surrounding areas will have access to even better health services thanks to a $212,475 Brumby Labor Government funding boost.
Visiting Robinvale District Health Services and Manangatang & District Hospital today, Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the money would fund vital midwifery services and important infrastructure equipment.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to give Victorians an even better health system, by building new hospitals and health services and hiring more doctors and nurses,” Mr Andrews said.
“Robinvale District Health Services will receive $120,000 through the Government’s 2009/10 Statewide Infrastructure Renewal Program to replace emergency generators.
“This equipment will safeguard Robinvale’s ability to continue to provide vital health services during the summer bushfire season.
“The renewal program supports the replacement and upgrade of critical engineering infrastructure such as boilers, chillers, electrical systems, lifts, lighting, water tanks and air conditioning.
“The program aims to extend the life of vital hospital infrastructure and enable hospitals to continue delivering safe and high-quality care to patients.
“We’re also providing Robinvale with an extra $52,475 in acute funding, which will help it continue to provide top-class health services to local residents.”
Mr Andrews said mothers in the Robinvale district would continue to have access to the best midwifery care thanks to a $40,000 maternity grant.
“The Brumby Labor Government is investing in country hospitals so that mothers and their babies can have the best possible start in life,” he said.
"The Rural Maternity Initiative gives mums-to-be the reassurance they can give birth in their local communities with access to seamless care from pregnancy through to childbirth and post-birth care.
“We’re committed to ensuring the future of rural maternity services through innovative new cooperative models of care, best-practice projects and midwifery education and support programs.”
Mr Andrews also praised the boards of Robinvale District Health Services and Manangatang & District Hospital for successfully integrating earlier this year.
“I am impressed with the way that the Manangatang community has adapted to the new arrangements,” he said.
“We need to make sure that health services in rural communities are robust as the demands for their services grow.”