Barwon Health is reaching milestones this week with a surgery centre officially open and a new MRI machine provided for Norlane.
The newly expanded Youang Surgery Centre officially opened on Tuesday, April 8, as part of the more than $500 million Barwon Women’s and Children’s project.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne said the centre allowed for services, including surgery and endoscopy, to be delivered in a modern, purpose-built facility.
“It was fantastic to be in Geelong to see the new and expanded Youang Surgery Centre,” she said.
“Speaking to patients and staff about the difference it’s going to make having modern and accessible healthcare close to home.”
The newly opened centre will also allow the Bellarine West Specialist Outpatient Clinics to be built in the ageing Gretta Volum Centre location as part of the Barwon Women’s and Children’s project.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the project would increase Geelong’s capacity to provide care for women and children once it was completed.
“It will provide more local jobs and ensuring families in Geelong have access to high-quality women’s health, maternity and paediatric care closer to home,” she said.
A state-of-the-art MRI machine was provided to Barwon Health North through a $2.9 million grant from the state government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).
Ms Horne said the funding also helped deliver a new service area and a radio frequency shield to provide a safe environment for staff and patients.
“RHIF is an important initiative that is helping to improve our regional health services now and for the future, supporting both patients and the dedicated staff who care for them,” she said.
“By investing in new equipment and infrastructure upgrades like this MRI machine at Barwon Health North, we’re ensuring that all Victorians can access the care they need, when they need it.”
