04 Oct 2017 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) Benalla Health will receive $160 996 from a Victorian Government funding support package aimed at helping to meet demand following one of the worst flu seasons on record. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced that Northern Victorias local public hospitals and Bush Nursing centres would receive a share of $115 million in funding. This years flu season has resulted in sustained pressure on Victorias health system, with more than 14 000 cases reported across Victoria so far. In August alone, more than 3900 people visited emergency departments each day the largest ever for August on record. Hospitals right across Northern Victoria have risen to the challenge, dedicating significant resources and staff to providing country Victorians world-class care this winter and flu season. Ms Symes said this funding package would support local hospitals to ensure a record number of patients can get the care they need from emergency departments faster, for the remainder of the year. This flu season has hit us hard and every single one of our public hospitals in country Victoria has been working overtime so Victorians can continue to have access to the care they need when they need it, Ms Symes said. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare workers have done a remarkable job in the face of unprecedented demand ensuring patients are receiving the first-class care they deserve. Hospitals across Victoria, including here in Northern Victoria have been feeling the pressure this flu season. This Labor Government funding will be key to supporting our local hospitals to keep delivering the quality care our patients need. Quicker hospital transfer times will also enable paramedics to get back on the road sooner and save more lives. People waiting for elective surgery will also benefit with more people than ever expected to receive surgery in 2017/18. This boost is part of the Labor Governments actions to manage flu season and meet rising demands on the health system. The extra $115 million boost comes on top the record $1.67 billion provided in the Victorian Budget 2017/18 to support hospitals to meet demand and provide high-quality, safer care to patients, no matter where they live. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.