The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring communities across rural and regional Victoria have access to the world-class healthcare they deserve, close to home, with the latest round of the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) now open.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas today called for Victoria’s regional and rural health services to enter their submissions for the latest round of funding.
RHIF delivers a variety of projects across regional Victoria including theatre refurbishments, new waiting rooms and hospital beds, accessible paths and ramps, additional consulting rooms, expansion projects and equipment upgrades.
RHIF has funded 630 projects – the largest investment ever dedicated to our rural and regional health services.
Successful projects include more than $1.5 million for Grampians Health to replace ageing Central Sterile Services Department equipment in operating theatres at the Ballarat Base Hospital. This included the purchase and installation of new washers, dryer, steriliser, ultrasonic unit and reverse osmosis unit.
Additionally, $580,000 funding from the RHIF ensured the continuation of vital scanning services in Colac with the purchase by Colac Area Health of a new CT scanner machine – replacing old and outdated equipment.
In Lakes Entrance, more than $562,000 funding has enabled Gippsland Lakes Community Health to install a 220-panel solar power system to provide critical back-up power in the event of natural disaster or other emergencies.
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.
Submissions close on 11 September 2023. All eligible health services and agencies are encouraged to participate by familiarising themselves with application requirements and attending an upcoming online information webinar.
Full details on grant program guidelines or how to apply can be found by visiting here.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas
“We’re giving our rural and regional health services the best facilities and the latest equipment so their hardworking staff can continue to provide the very best healthcare to local communities.”
“Victorians should get the care they need, close to home, no matter where they live – which is why we’re continuing to invest in regional and rural health services through our flagship Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.”
