BALLAN’S GP super clinic will be given a $3.3million boost in tonight’s federal budget.
But extra funding for Djerriwarrh Health in Bacchus Marsh remains in limbo until the federal budget is announced.
Last Wednesday, Health Minister Tanya Plibersek and Ballarat Labor MP Catherine King announced the funding, a move welcomed by Ballan District Health and Care chief executive Glenn Rowbotham.
The $3.3million will provide extra consulting and treatment rooms, rehabilitation facilities, a hydrotherapy pool, pharmacy, educational facilities, extended hours and more staff.
Ms Plibersek told the Weekly there was a growing need for additional health services in Ballan and a bigger clinic would attract more people to live and work in the area. “This is good for the whole region, for jobs and investment in the future of the town.”
But she said health services announcements for Bacchus Marsh would have to wait until Treasurer Wayne Swan’s budget was released.
“We do recognise the extraordinary growth in Melbourne’s west, in areas like Bacchus Marsh, and realise that health services become even more important. “
As reported by the Weekly last October, Ballan District Health and Care was often stretched beyond capacity, unable to provide enough beds and often sending patients to hospitals in Ballarat or Bacchus Marsh.
Mr Rowbotham said an expansion would allow the clinic to hire 20 extra full-time staff.
Djerriwarrh Health chief executive Bruce Marshall said he was delighted with the funding for Ballan’s health.
“We recognise further need for additional recurrent funding for the Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital to support rapid growth in theatre procedures and birthing numbers,” he said. “Details of the state budget with regards to recurrent funding are not known at this stage.We are hopeful of being a recipient of what is termed growth funding.”
