BALLARAT Base Hospital is inline for a massive capital works program should the Coalition win government on Saturday.<\/p>\n
As part of the $461 million pledge the Liberal and National parties have said they will essentially rebuild this hospital.<\/p>\n
Work includes more surgical theatres, a bigger emergency department, additional mental health facilities and more space for a women and children\u2019s hub.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis funding is a great result for residents in Ballarat,\u201d said Liberal candidate for Buninyong Andrew Kilmartin.<\/p>\n
\u201cLabor has been in government for 15 of the last 19 years and have failed to keep up with population growth in Ballarat and provide proper services.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a new master plan for the hospital due soon, sources were unable to commit to a timeline for the bulk of the work, however the announcement did include some aspects that would begin immediately.<\/p>\n
They include $1.6 million for an expansion for the Mother and Baby Mental Health unit and $1.8 million for extra capacity within the Pain Clinic.<\/p>\n
The post-natal mental health service would expand to seven days a week and offer enhanced specialist psychological treatment and emotional support during pregnancy and early parenthood.<\/p>\n
Liberal candidate for Wendouree, Amy Johnson, welcomed the announcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a young mum I know how important it is to have easy access to health care during what can be a stressful time,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The immediate cash injection for the Ballarat Hospital\u2019s pain service would enable the treatment of about 1800 patients dealing with conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis and back pain.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for the Liberal Party said a Freedom of Information request revealed there were 120 patients on the current Pain Clinic waiting list, with one waiting 235 days for specialist treatment.<\/p>\n
\u201cBallarat residents deserve worldclass facilities and only under a Liberal National Government will they get a new hospital as well as an expanded mother and baby unit and pain clinic,\u201d said Shadow Health Minster Mary Wooldridge.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Liberal Nationals investment will mean better healthcare, closer to home with thousands more jobs for the region.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BALLARAT Base Hospital is inline for a massive capital works program should the Coalition win government on Saturday. As part of the $461 million pledge the Liberal and National parties have said they will essentially rebuild this hospital. Work includes more surgical theatres, a bigger emergency department, additional mental health facilities and more space for […]<\/p>\n