Minister for Health Jill Hennessy visited Benalla Health to announce the service would receive $200,000 through the Labor Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.

The funding boost for Benalla Health will be used to buy the latest advances in washing and cleaning technology for medical equipment such as endoscopes.

CEO Janine Holland said the funding would be used to replace the hospital’s Soluscope and Steris machines and buy new endoscope drying and storage cabinets.

By improving the quality, reliability and safety of sterilisation equipment for medical devises, patients will enjoy better health outcomes. It will also ensure that the hospital can continue to meet increasing demand for local surgical services.

The latest funding comes on top of $4.39 million provided to Benalla Health in the first round of the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund to build the new Morrie Evans Wing and replace an ultrasound, defibrillator monitor and ICT infrastructure at Benalla Hospital.  

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy said the funding would be a great boost to the Benalla community.

“We’re putting patients first and revamping our rural and regional health services so more patients in Benalla can be treated sooner, closer to home," she said.

“Doctors and nurses at Benalla do a remarkable job. We’re supporting them to do their job saving lives and keeping locals healthy by giving them the very best medical equipment.”