Planning starts on Australia’s First Heart Hospital

The Andrews Labor Government will build a specialist heart hospital at Monash University in Clayton, bringing together the world’s best in cardiovascular care, research and training.

The Victorian Heart Hospital will treat cardiac diseases from early childhood to advanced adult life, and will include an emergency department, cardiac cath labs, specialist surgical and imaging facilities, and telehealth services for patients across Victoria, interstate and around the world.

Internationally, there are many specialised heart hospitals, but this will be the first to be built in Australia.

The Victorian Heart Hospital will also be home to ground-breaking medical research, and will train the next generation of Victorian heart specialists.

Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer in Australia, accounting for around 30 per cent of all deaths in Australia.

The Government has provided $15 million in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget to undertake detailed planning and begin early works for the Victorian Heart Hospital. In total, the Government will provide $150 million towards this project, with the remaining funds to build the new hospital to be provided by project partners and philanthropists.

The Labor Government is investing in hospitals and new equipment across the state, with an additional $2.1 billion over the next four years.

This includes more than $560 million for new hospitals and equipment, which is more than three times what the former Liberal Government invested in their final Budget.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy

“The Victorian Heart Hospital will revolutionise cardiovascular care in Victoria. It will enhance Victoria’s reputation as a world-leading provider of cardiac care, medical research and training.”

“After four years of cuts under the Liberals, the Andrews Labor Government is investing in health so Victorians can get the care they need, closer to home.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos

“This is a fantastic project which is going to change lives – a facility that will not just treat patients with heart disease but conduct research and provide education.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Oakleigh, Steve Dimopoulos

“To have Australia’s first hospital dedicated solely to cardiac care located in Melbourne’s south east is very exciting.”

Source: News Release, Premier of Victoria, 07 June, 2015

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/planning-starts-on-australias-first-heart-hospital