Health Minister Jill Hennessy was in Ballarat on Friday to announce the boost and also officially open the new Wendouree Ambulance Station.

Ms Hennessy said the ultrasound funding would deliver “cutting-edge” technology for the 26,000 scans which are performed through Ballarat Health Services every year.

She said in previous funding rounds of the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, Ballarat Health Services had received $1.5 million to replace six laparoscopic camera systems and $1.4 million to replace chillers and expand the wireless network at the Queen Elizabeth Centre.

“Ballarat patients deserve the best, and we are delivering the best ultrasound technology that produces the clearest images, even faster,” Ms Hennessy said.

Earlier in the day, Ms Hennessy opened the Wendouree Ambulance station by saying it would cut response times.

“The old branch was not in flash shape, there was not the facilities to do things like clinical education and training,” she said. 

“Our ambulance service is growing significantly and we’ve got population growth in this region, so a new branch will be fit for purpose and will help save the valuable seconds needed to help save someone’s life when needed.”

Ms Hennessy said 88.8 per cent of all code one emergencies in the City of Ballarat were responded to within 15 minutes with the new station expected to see that number increase.

Ambulance Victoria Grampians Region acting regional director Chris James said the community would be the winners from the new building.

“The old building had got into a state of disrepair and was far too small to meet the growing demands of our team and community,” he said. “Having the new fit-for-purpose facility, positioned where it is, will ensure better response performance and far better patient outcomes.”

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