HOSPITALS across the south-west including Warrnambool Base have received a financial boost from Spring Street to meet increased demand.
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South West Healthcare will have an operational budget of more than $111 million for this financial year, nearly $5.7 million more than the 2013-14 period.
The figure represents a budgetary increase of 5.4 per cent for the health care group, which operates the Warrnambool Base and Camperdown hospitals as well as community health centres in Lismore and Macarthur.
South West Healthcare acting chief executive Andrew Trigg said the cash injection reflected increased demand from patients since the Warrnambool Base underwent extensive renovations three years ago.
“We had in excess of 17,000 inpatients during 2013-14, which was a record for us,” Mr Trigg said.
“I think (the funding) is an acknowledgement of the strong sub-regional demand we’ve seen over the past few years.
“It will meet the increased demand for a range of services, so it will be welcomed by staff here.”
Moyne Health Services has received a $5.43 million budget for the 2014-15 period, which is $100,000 more than last financial year, representing a 1.8 per cent rise.
Premier Denis Napthine said all of the region’s hospitals delivered high-quality health care at a time when more people required their services.
“There has been significant growth in the number of services delivered in Warrnambool in recent years,” said Dr Napthine, who is also South West Coast MP.
“This funding boost will ensure that services continue to meet demand and that the highest level of care continues to be provided to our community.”
Meanwhile, Portland District Health secured an operational budget of more than $24 million, which is $1 million extra on last financial year.
The rise represents a 4.6 per cent increase compared to the 2013-14 period.
Heywood Rural Health will have an operational budget of $2.84 million this financial year, an extra $40,000 on last financial year. Figures for Terang Mortlake Health Services and Western District Health Services were not available yesterday.