The Andrews Labor Government has fulfilled its commitment to open 101 new beds and points of care through the $200 million Beds Rescue Fund, less than one year after they were promised.

Member for Altona District and Minister for Health Jill Hennessy said the $200 million Fund had delivered 4 new critical care beds at Western Health and 8 new acute multiday beds at Mercy Public Hospitals, which are now fully operational.

These new critical care beds at Western Health will mean an extra 484 patients will be treated each year, while the new acute multiday beds at Mercy Hospitals will expand medical and surgical capacity so an extra 925 additional patients will be treated each year.

Last year, former AMA Victoria President Dr Douglas Travis carried out the most comprehensive review ever undertaken into the capacity of Victoria’s hospitals.

In line with his recommendations, the 2015-16 Victorian Budget delivered $200 million to open 101 beds and points of care at hospitals across the state, which will treat nearly 20,000 extra patients every year.

While the Andrews Labor Government have delivered on this promise to open 101 new beds and points of care in less than a year, the former Liberal Government, despite promising 800 new beds, only managed to open 88in three years.

 Quotes attributable to Member for Altona District and Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy

 “In less than a year, we have opened 101 new beds and points of care as promised – including 4 at Western Health and 8 at Mercy Public Hospitals – so patients across Melbourne’s West can access the care they need, when they need it.”

 “Under the former Liberal Government, patients were waiting too long in emergency departments and for elective surgery. This is no surprise given the Liberals opened just 88 beds in three years.”

 “Our Beds Rescue Fund will mean 484 extra patients at Western Health get the treatment they need sooner.”