Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney announced a 9.4 per cent increase in funding for South West Healthcare (SWH), which runs Warrnambool and Camperdown hospitals. 

SWH will receive $144.32 million this financial year, $12.42 million more than the previous 12 months.

Ms Tierney said since the Andrews government took control of the state’s purse strings in 2015-16, South West Healthcare’s allocation had jumped by $35.58 million, or 32.7 per cent.

“Our doctors, nurses, allied and other healthcare workers dedicate themselves each day to care for us when we need it,” Ms Tierney said.

“We’re helping them by opening more beds to reduce patient waiting times for surgery and emergency care.”

The funding for SWH is part of $11.5 billion allocated across Victoria. This includes funding for hospitals, ambulance services, mental health and drug and alcohol services, aged care and community health services.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said the south-west region would benefit from the funding increase.

“We’re delivering record funding to ensure that Warrnambool, Camperdown and our other hospitals can treat more patients faster, and closer to home,” Ms Hennessy said.

The cash comes ahead of the state election where pressure will be on major parties to fund a Warrnambool Base Hospital major upgrade.