Commitment to health services

The State Government has confirmed it will spend almost $150-million on the region’s seven health-care networks as part of 2017-18 budget allocations.

Regional Development Minister and Labor Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said the allocation of $148.85-million was a record contribution.

“We know our dedicated doctors and nurses do a remarkable job at health services across the Wimmera. This record boost gives them the support they need to keep saving lives and keep people healthy,” she said.

A budget breakdown shows how the investment is split among hospitals, ambulance services, mental health and drug services, aged care, community health and public health services. The government’s funding explanation includes: • $60.458-million to Wimmera Health Care Group, up by $3.322-million or 5.8 percent, on the previous year. • $20.744-million to East Grampians Health Service, up $1.247-million or 6.4 percent. • $15.207-million for East Wimmera Health Service, up $439,000 or 3 percent. • $16.756-million for Stawell Regional Health, up $917,000 or 5.8 percent. • $4.201-million for Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital, up $76,000 or 1.8 percent. • $20.431-million for West Wimmera Health Service, up $537,000 or 2.7 percent. • $11.053-million for Rural Northwest Health, up $518,000 or 4.9 percent.