Ballan hospital $2 million funding reaffirmed

VICTORIAN Health Minister David Davis reaffirmed the government’s commitment to funding a $2 million redevelopment of the Ballan hospital yesterday.Touring Ballan District Health and Care, Mr Davis said the redevelopment would provide Ballan residents with new emergency care and medical imaging services. “I was lucky enough to visit this facility back in October of last year and it was clear to me then that there was a need to support Ballan District Health and Care in order that they could meet the needs of a growing community,” he said.“This will enable a range of upgraded and new services to be provided such as transition care, emergency stabilisation and care, medical imaging services and a new palliative care centre.”Mr Davis also visited Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital yesterday and said the new cardiac laboratory was expected to be operating by the end of the year. “The laboratory will mean that more people will be assessed and treated for heart disease in Ballarat,” he said.“For the first time, patients will be able to have stents inserted at Ballarat Base Hospital rather than being referred to other hospitals. The hospital will also be able to cater for patients who previously had to travel to Melbourne for cardiac treatment.”