Hospitals get flu funding injection

THE state government is tipping in an extra $115 million to give Victoria’s hospitals relief from a surge in demand following one of Victoria’s worstever flu seasons.

Visiting the Royal Melbourne Hospital last week, Minister for Health Jill Hennessy announced that all public hospitals as well as 15 Bush Nursing Centres would share in a special funding support package.

This year’s flu season has resulted in sustained pressure on Victoria’s health system with more than 14,000 flu cases reported across Victoria so far.

Over winter there has been a surge in people visiting emergency departments. In August alone, more than 3,900 people visited emergency departments each day – the largest ever for August on record.

This funding package will support hospitals to ensure a record number of patients can get the care they need from emergency departments faster, for the remainder of the year. Quicker hospital transfer times will also enable paramedics to get back on the road sooner and save more lives.

People waiting for elective surgery will also benefit with more people than ever expected to receive surgery in 2017/18.

“This flu season has hit us hard. Every single one of our public hospitals has been working overtime so Victorians can continue to have access to the care they need – when they need it,” Ms Hennessy said.

“Our dedicated doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare workers have done a remarkable job in the face of unprecedented demand – ensuring patients are receiving the first class care they deserve.”

Ambulance Victoria chief executive officer Tony Walker said the fund would not only support hospitals, but also help ambulance services move patients quicker through emergency and get paramedics back on the road sooner.

“Our ambulances are there for life-threatening emergencies – the best way we can help Victorians is if we’re out on the road. This boost will help us get there.”