25 Jul 2018 McIvor Times, Heathcote VIC (General News) by Michael Mattingly HEATHCOTE Health will receive a 10.7 per cent increase in funding after Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes recently announced a huge package from the state government. In total, the government is investing $3.62 million at Heathcote Health to give more patients world-class treatment and care. The funding for Heathcote Health has increased by $993,000, or 37.8 per cent, since 2014/15. Its all part of the governments 2018/19 budget allocations for all Victorian hospitals, a record $11.5 billion investment. It means hospitals are set to share in 10 per cent more funding than the previous 12 months. The Labor government is giving our hospitals and Heathcote Health the funding they need to treat more patients sooner, and closer to home, Ms Symes said. Were delivering record funding to ensure that Heathcote and our other hospitals can treat more patients faster and closer to home. Our doctors, nurses, allied and other healthcare workers dedicate themselves each day to care for us when we need it. Were helping them by opening more beds to reduce patient waiting times for surgery and emergency care. The record funding boost will ensure our hospitals can provide the very best treatment and care to the 1.9 million patients expected to be admitted to hospital and the 1.8 million Victorians who will access emergency departments in the coming 12 months. In total, the government is investing $19.4 billion in Victorias health system, including ambulance services, mental health and drug and alcohol services, aged care, community health and other services. The funding boost will open more beds, offer better specialist care and give families even greater access to a wide range of services.