Ryan-Davis – $73 million expansion for Latrobe Regional Hospital

· New emergency department more than double existing capacity
· Cardiac catheterisation lab in Gippsland for the first time
· Victorian Coalition Government building a healthier Victoria

The Victorian Coalition Government is building a healthier Victoria by
investing $73 million in a major redevelopment of Latrobe Regional
Hospital, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan announced today.

“The Coalition Government is investing record funding to build
world-class hospitals in regional and rural Victoria,” Mr Ryan said.

“Part of the Coalition Government’s commitment in the 2014-15 Budget
will include $73 million for a major redevelopment of Latrobe Regional
Hospital.

“The Coalition Government’s investment will future-proof the Latrobe
Regional Hospital, ensuring its staff continue to provide the best
available health care for the Latrobe Valley and broader Gippsland
communities.

“This investment ensures those who are seeking to access basic hospital
services, or more specialised treatments such as cardiac care, aged
care, cancer care, elective surgery, maternity, rehabilitation or
mental health services, will receive world-class care in their local
community.

“The $73 million redevelopment of the Latrobe Regional Hospital is yet
another example of the Coalition Government’s strong record of
investment in the Latrobe Valley and across Gippsland.”

Minister for Health David Davis said the Stage 2a redevelopment of the
Latrobe Regional Hospital would increase capacity, including a new
emergency department more than double the capacity of the existing
facility and a new 30-bed ward.

“It will also incorporate a 12-bed short-stay unit, two day rooms for
endoscopy procedures, a new entrance and admissions area and a new
public car park,” Mr Davis said.

“The addition of a cardiac catheterisation laboratory will be a major
boon for heart patients in Gippsland.

“This will be a most welcome enhancement to the services available at
Latrobe Regional Hospital, enabling it to deliver better health
outcomes.

“The Coalition Government’s commitment to the Latrobe Regional Hospital
redevelopment stands in stark contrast to 11 years of Labor neglect.”

The Coalition Government’s new investment builds on more than $4.5
billion of works underway in health infrastructure across Victoria.

Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the first stage of the Latrobe
redevelopment, incorporates the new Gippsland Cancer Centre, scheduled
to be completed later this year.

“In addition to the Cancer Centre, works are also currently underway on
expanding subacute, rehabilitation and mental health facilities.

“Importantly, Latrobe Regional Hospital has an important teaching and
training role, and facilities for medical students are being expanded.

“An expanded Latrobe Regional Hospital reduces the need for travelling
to Melbourne, with world-class health care being delivered closer to
home,” Mr Northe said.