Boost delivered for babies

ILL new-born babies at Casey Hospital will receive some of the best care in the state following a $4.2 million upgrade announced last week.
The money, part of the State Government’s Budget, will go towards the upgrade of the Special Care Nursery and will provide greater newborn and maternity services to people living in the City of Casey.
The management of Southern Health, which oversees the operations at Casey Hospital, said they were thrilled with the funding.
Chief Executive Shelly Park said it was excellent news for Southern Health and for the people who use Casey Hospital.
“Particularly those residents living in the Casey Hospital catchment area,” she said.
“The upgrade of the Special Care Nursery will allow Casey Hospital to care for more acutely ill newborn babies allowing the hospital to take on higher risk pregnancies.”
“This means more pregnant women from Casey and the surrounding areas will be able to deliver at Casey Hospital and more newborns will receive higher level care closer to home.”
Ms Park said Southern Health was a big winner in form the budget, receiving more than $80 million in capital funding, a result she described as “outstanding”.
“It will also mean newborn babies who are recovering after being cared for at Neonatal Intensive Care Units like Monash Medical Centre Clayton, will be able to receive moderate level care closer to home.
“Southern Health is responsible for health services in the fastest growing area of Victoria, and this extra funding will allow us to cater for this growing demand.”