Delivering stronger health services in daylesford

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering the best healthcare for communities in the Central Highlands with work starting on a $6.148 million upgrade of Daylesford Hospital’s operating theatre.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas was at the Daylesford Campus of Central Highlands Rural Health today to "turn the first sod" on the multi-million-dollar project.

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

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 March 2024, 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 latest funding builds on more than $800,000 already invested in Daylesford Hospital through the Engineering Infrastructure Replacement Program (EIRP) for new heating hot water boilers and reverse osmosis water plant. A further $544,500 from the program has upgraded power to the hospital site.

Now worth $790 million thanks to a $300 million boost from the 2022-23 State Budget, the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund 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. It is the largest program of its type in Victoria having funded more than 630 projects since 2016.

The Labor Government has made unprecedented investments in Victoria’s health system, with more than $133 billion funding since coming into office – ensuring all Victorians have accessto the care, treatment and support they need to stay happy, healthy and well.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"The Victorian Government is ensuring people in the Central Highlands have access to the best possible healthcare services, close to home."

"This multi-million-dollar operating suite redevelopment will support Daylesford Hospital get more people off waiting lists and into surgery sooner."

"Through our flagship $790 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund 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."