$1 million boost for Bairnsdale hospital

The Victorian Coalition Government will deliver $1 million for a new, permanent state-of-the-art MRI service at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service.

Visiting Bairnsdale Regional Health Service today, Minister for Health David Davis said Bairnsdale was among 31 health services to share in $17.5 million of grants from the third round of the Rural Capital Support Fund.

“The Coalition Government is delivering $56 million over four years to the Rural Capital Support Fund that provides grants to improve rural and regional health facilities,” Mr Davis said.

“The grants help hospitals, aged care facilities, women’s health and community health services upgrade facilities, implement new models of care and increase service capacity and efficiency.

“The latest funding comes on top of $20.3 million already delivered through the first two funding rounds.”

Mr Davis said Bairnsdale Regional Health Service will receive $1 million to expand its radiology department and install a new, permanent MRI machine.

“The current MRI is delivered by a mobile service which travels between Latrobe Regional Hospital and Bairnsdale, spending just three days a month in Bairnsdale,” Mr Davis said.

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said the Victorian Coalition Government investment will ensure the Bairnsdale community has access to a high quality MRI service all year round.

“Bairnsdale Regional Health Service has received $184,000 through rounds one and two of the Rural Capital Support Fund to upgrade dental facilities and buy new operating theatre lights,” said Mr Bull.

Mr Davis also paid tribute to the local community who have been battling ongoing bushfires this summer throughout Gippsland.

“The last few weeks have tested this community, and it is wonderful to see how well you all have responded. Emergency response staff and volunteers alike, right across Gippsland, have made an incredible contribution to the welfare of this region and I offer my thanks to everyone who lent a hand,” Mr Davis said.