Minister’s bedside boost

CASEY Hospital will receive 30 new beds under Federal Government Health reforms.
The $22.2 million funding boost was announced on Tuesday 17 May, and will deliver 30 inpatient sub acute beds at the hospital.
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon joined Labor La Trobe MP Laura Smyth at the hospital for the announcement on Tuesday.
Ms Roxon said that the funding was part of $440 million worth of Victorian projects, and the beds would be delivered by the end of the four years of funding.
“More sub acute beds means improved rehabilitation, mental health, geriatric care and palliative care and less pressure on local emergency departments,” Ms Roxon said.
Ms Smyth said the funding was particularly important in the south-east where the population is growing and more health services are required.