Delivering stronger health services in daylesford

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering the best healthcare for communities in the Central Highlands with plans progressing for a $4.5 million upgrade of Daylesford Hospital’s operating theatres.

Minister for Health Martin Foley today visited Daylesford Hospital and announced designs for the multi-million-dollar project are underway, with construction on track to begin in late 2022.

Funded through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF), the project will upgrade Daylesford Hospital’s theatre, patient waiting area, sterile stock storage area, recovery and admission areas and change rooms.

The project will also replace ageing patient monitoring medical equipment, along with equipment in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) and refurbish the CSSD processing area.

Once the upgrade is complete in the second half of 2023, the dedicated doctors, nurses and healthcare staff at Daylesford Hospital will be able to get more locals off waiting lists and into surgery and treatment, sooner – and closer to home.

This funding builds on more than $900,000 invested in Daylesford Hospital through the Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program for new heating hot water boilers and a new reverse osmosis water plant. A further $544,500 from the program has upgraded power to the hospital site.

The RHIF provides government funding to rural and regional health services and agencies across Victoria so these services can continue to provide safe and efficient care to local communities.

The program is now worth $790 million thanks to a $300 million boost in the Victorian Budget 2022-23, making it the largest program of its type in Victoria having funded more than 480 projects since 2016.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley
"We’re ensuring people in the Central Highlands have access to the healthcare services they need, closer to home."

"We’re doing more than ever to invest and support local hospitals and health services – and the health of all Victorians no matter where they live."

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"This multi-million-dollar operating suite redevelopment will support Daylesford Hospital get more people into surgery sooner and home to their loved ones."