In a bid to enhance healthcare accessibility for Murray River residents, the Victorian government has allocated $9.7 million through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) for crucial upgrades at Echuca Regional Health.
The project, announced by VIC Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas, aims to revamp the Central Sterile Services Department and Oral Health Unit by relocating them to the refurbished Lumeah building.
This move will provide a modern and efficient working environment for staff, ensuring that sterilising systems meet the latest standards and creating a separate waiting area for children.
Additionally, the upgrade includes the establishment of a new modern reusable medical devices facility.
This facility will improve cleaning processes, reduce the risk of procedure cancellations, and alleviate pressure on hardworking staff.
Thomas highlighted the significance of these upgrades, as she stated: “RHIF is delivering important upgrades to our regional health services like here in Echuca – ensuring hardworking staff have a modern, safe, and efficient workplace to deliver the best care to locals that need it.”
This funding adds to the state government’s commitment to health facilities in Echuca, with over $15.3 million already allocated through RHIF.
This includes more than $2.2 million provided previously to replace medical equipment, clinical furniture, and operating theatre equipment.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes emphasised the impact of these upgrades on local healthcare, as she stated: “These state-of-the-art medical upgrades at Echuca Regional Health will ensure more locals can access the treatment they need, closer to home.”
The RHIF program, established in 2016 and overseen by the Victorian Health Building Authority, has now reached $790 million, funding over 675 projects for regional health services.
This program aims to ensure that rural and regional communities have access to high-quality healthcare services, supporting hundreds of jobs across the state in the process.
For more information on the RHIF program and its projects, visit: vhba.vic.gov.au/health/regional-facilities/regional-health-infrastructure-fund.