The new facility, on the former Yuille House site, was set to have an area dedicated to new operating theatres, however there is currently no commitment of any funding for the plan.

Opposition health spokeswoman Mary Wooldridge said Ballarat Health Services needed about $20 million for the expansion. 

“Currently there are six theatres, the demand has increased by around 50 per cent over the past decade ... they are full, being used completely and there is more demand,” she said. “What is needed is $20 million to fit out those theatres.

“What we have is a floor that could be theatres but doesn’t have the funding to fit them out.”

Previous comments from BHS show that an area was planned for future expansion of operating theatres, but unlike plans for the other floors, no mention was made of funding commitments. 

Evelyn Ek, spokeswoman for Health Minister Jill Hennessy, said it was the previous Liberal state government who slashed $1 billion from the health budget and had under-spent on capital projects. 

“It’s a bit incredible that the opposition are calling for more funding for this project when they chose not to fund its full fit-out while in government,” she said. 

“The Andrews Labor government has committed to investing $10 million to build and equip a new cath lab at Ballarat Health Services, which will ensure more people in Western Victoria can receive urgent heart assessment, treatment and care closer to home.”

The cath lab commitment was a commitment made by both side of politics in the lead up to last year’s election.

Ms Wooldridge said it was important this funding in particular was included in the upcoming May budget. 

The hospital was a key battleground during the election, with the Liberal Party promising an $83 million redevelopment which included three extra floors on the facility.

matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au