The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Victorian hospitals, community health services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations with $320 million in funding to upgrade vital health infrastructure.

Minister for Health Martin Foley today announced submissions for the new $200 million Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF) and the fifth round of the $120 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) have opened, ensuring health services across the state can continue to provide world-class healthcare for all Victorians.

Established as part of the Victorian Budget 2020/21, the MHIF will fund construction, remodelling and refurbishment projects, equipment, information and communication technology and other vital upgrade works to meet service demand, and improve safety and infection prevention and control measures at Melbourne’s busiest hospitals and community health services.

The RHIF was established in 2016-17 to help regional and rural health services improve the safety and quality of services, service capacity, models of care, patient and staff amenity, and service efficiency.

Since 2016, the RHIF has funded more than 380 health infrastructure projects, including a $9.7 million Healthy Community Access Hub in Kyneton, $6 million Aboriginal Co-operative Medical and Regional Health Hub in Ballarat and a $4 million Integrated Health Centre in Yarram.

Round five funding will take the total value of the RHIF to $470 million, making it the largest program of its type in Victoria.

For grant program guidelines or to apply, visit vhhsba.vic.gov.au. Applications close on the 31 March 2021.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley

“This funding will help hospitals across the state deliver the high-quality care Victorians deserve and ensure our hospitals can continue doing what they do best – saving lives.”

“The new $200 million Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund will ensure our local health services have the vital infrastructure and equipment they need to continue to respond to the needs of their local community.”