A $1.4 million funding injection will help Geelong through one of Victoria’s worst flu seasons, State Government has announced.
The “special support package” for Barwon Health came as the state battled with 14,000 reported flu cases so far, the government said.
“Over winter there has been a surge in people visiting emergency departments. In August alone, more than 3900 people visited emergency departments each day – the largest ever for August on record.”
“This funding package will support local hospitals to ensure a record number of patients can get the care they need from emergency departments faster, for the remainder of the year. Quicker hospital transfer times will also enable paramedics to get back on the road sooner and save more lives.”
Hospitals were urging patients with “less-severe illnesses” to contact their GP, a pharmacist or Nurse-On-Call as the peak of flu season drew near, the government said.
“This flu season has hit us hard,” Health Minister Jill Hennessy said.
“Every single one of our public hospitals has been working overtime, so Victorians can continue to have access to the care they need – when they need it.”
Ms Hennessy praised the state’s “dedicated doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare workers” for their efforts fighting the flu outbreak.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens welcomed the funding boost for Barwon Health.
“Hospitals across Victoria, including here in Geelong have been feeling the pressure this flu season. This money will be key to supporting our local public hospitals to keep delivering the quality care our patients need.”
