Patient wait times are set to be reduced with the opening of the Ballarat Base Hospital’s upgraded emergency department today.
A new Emergency Ambulatory Care facility at the hospital includes a 10-bed unit, two-patient ensuites, consultation and treatment rooms, along with staff facilities.
The $5 million investment through the Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund is aiming to ease pressure on the department, as the $595 million hospital expansion continues.
Speaking in Ballarat this morning, Premier Dan Andrews said it’s all about making sure that they give staff the best facilities and the best equipment, so they can provide the very best care.
“This is a really good measure between now and when the massive redevelopment of the Ballarat Base Hospital will be concluded in 2027,” he said.
In a statement, Grampians Health CEO, Dale Fraser, said whilst the facility would help reduce wait times in the ED, it also aimed to improve patient satisfaction.