Western Health will receive angiography units, valued at almost $3 million, in the state government’s latest round of funding.
It is one of 18 health services to share in the $35 million medical equipment replacement program, which is used to provide new medical equipment and replace ageing stock with the latest technology, state Health Minister Jill Hennessy said last week.
Western Health operations executive director Russell Harrison said the angiography units, which are used to X-ray blood vessels, would go to Western Health’s Footscray hospital, which does not have any.
Mr Harrison said the hospital would now be able to offer “interventional” care to patients.
“Western Health is extremely pleased to have received funding,” Mr Harrison said.
“It will provide patients with access to modern equipment to enable a timely diagnosis and treatment, and it will further help staff in delivering high-quality healthcare to the people of Melbourne’s west.”
For the first time, Victorian hospitals can now access a $10 million funding pool to replace and upgrade old ICT equipment.
Ms Hennessy used the opportunity of her funding announcement to urge the federal government to reverse its decision to cut millions of dollars from Medicare and public hospitals.
“We’re investing in our hospitals to give them the tools and equipment they need to save lives and provide the very best patient care,” Ms Hennessy said.
“Instead of taking every opportunity he gets to chip away at our health system, Malcolm Turnbull needs to stop the cuts and cost-shifting and fund his fair share.”
Last month, federal Health Minister Sussan Ley announced 23 tests and procedures, including ear, nose and throat surgeries, and diagnostic imaging, had been recommended by a clinician-led taskforce for removal from Medicare.
In a statement, Ms Ley said these 23 items had cost $6.8 million, representing 52,500 patient visits, in the past financial year.
“My number one priority for this Medicare Benefits Schedule review has always been, and remains, building a healthier Medicare for Australian patients, health professionals and taxpayers … and I am determined to deliver it,” Ms Ley said.
