Southern Metropolitan Region
Ryan BATCHELOR (Southern Metropolitan) (14:06): (893) My question is to the Minister for Health, and the question is: how is the government planning for the future of health care in the Southern Metropolitan Region? With over 74,000 presentations in the emergency department and trauma unit, the Alfred hospital in our electorate of Southern Metro is at the forefront of health services in the southern parts of Melbourne and obviously as a statewide provider. In the recent state budget the Alfred received $118 million to sustain their health services. The funds are going to be used for essential capital works to help maintain operating theatres, intensive care and inpatient units so the hospital can continue their life-saving work. During a recent visit to the Alfred with you, Acting President Berger, and with the Deputy Premier we toured the first-class research facilities at the Burnet Institute and also at the Alfred itself, which is home to the highest number of clinical trials in the state. The government is committed to enhancing health facilities and services to ensure that every Victorian will have the best possible health care.