ARARAT’S East Grampians Health Service and Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre will receive a total of more than $231,000 to help fight against the flu.
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The money will come from $115 million in special flu funding to Victoria’s hospitals from the state government.
East Grampians Health Service will receive a special flu funding support package of $221,153, while Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre will receive $10,000.
The state government provided the money to give Victoria’s busy hospitals relief from a massive surge in demand following one of Victoria’s worst-ever flu seasons.
Over winter there has been a surge in people visiting hospitals. In August alone, more than 3,900 people visited emergency departments each day – the largest ever for August on record.
Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford said this year’s flu season has resulted in sustained pressure on Victoria’s health system with more than 14,000 flu cases reported across Victoria so far.
Ms Pulford said the funding package will support East Grampians Health Service and Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre to ensure patients can get the care they need.
“Hospitals across western Victoria have been feeling the pressure this flu season and this extra funding will support them to keep delivering the quality care our patients need,” she said.
“This flu season has hit us hard and I know that local hospitals across Western Victoria have been working overtime to ensure people suffering the flu get the treatment they need.”
While the flu peak is coming to an end, hospitals have continued to urge patients with less severe illnesses to contact their GP, a pharmacist – including Victoria’s 24/7 Supercare Pharmacies - or NURSE-ON-CALL.