Wangaratta Hospital revamp a close-to-home initiative

More Wangaratta patients will get the critical care they need closer to home, thanks to a Victorian Government funding boost to redevelop Wangaratta Hospital.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Health Jill Hennessy and local residents to announce that the much-loved hospital would receive $15.2 million through the Government’s new Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.

The funding will see a new 12-bed critical care unit built, increasing the capacity of the current unit by an extra four beds. The additional beds will support more patients in need of specialist intensive care and life support.

The project will also see the expansion of the emergency department and the relocation of the oncology unit, alongside other works including the construction of a new medical records building.

Planning works will begin immediately with construction expected to be completed in mid-2020. The $200 million regional health fund – the largest of its kind in Victorian history – is rebuilding rural and regional hospitals to ensure every Victorian can access the high quality care they need, no matter where they live.

"Just like everyone who’s from Wangaratta, this hospital has been a big part of my life," Mr Andrews said. "It was there for me as I grew up and it was there for my dad as he battled cancer. I’m proud to say, by providing critical care close to home, this expansion will make a real difference for seriously-ill patients and their families."

"The dedicated doctors and nurses at Northeast Health Wangaratta do a remarkable job," Ms Hennessy said. "This project will give them the facilities they need to do what they do best – saving lives."