Health fund boost

Designs for Seymour Healths expansion and redevelopment of its emergency department have been drawn up. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has released the first artist impressions for the $1.6 million project. She said it would give the urgent-care facility a modern makeover with better amenity and comfort for patients and their families, and a more efficient, functional and safer workspace for staff. And as part of the project, the hospital entrance will also be remodelled to improve access and comfort in the patient waiting area. To support growing demand, Seymour Health will receive $13.98 million in government funding in 2018-19, which is an increase of $402 000 from 2017/18. Ms Symes and the Victorian Government have made significant investments in Seymour Health including budget increases, funded Barrabill House redevelopment, opened same day oncology services, funded training for aged care nurses and specialist medical equipment. The funding for Seymour Health has increased by $1.76 million, or 14.4 per cent, since 2014-15.