31 Oct 2018 Seymour Telegraph, Seymour VIC (General News) by Alison OConnor Safety just went up a notch at Seymour Health, with a $410 000 upgrade of the fire detection and sprinkler systems announced last week. The current ageing system is nearing its use-by date, and with an upgrade to the Urgent Care Centre already on the cards in the near future, it had become a necessity to upgrade. The works will upgrade the smoke detection system and install a compatible sprinkler system throughout the acute services building. This is work that was a necessity, and without this funding, we would have had to find room in the budget to fund it ourselves, Seymour Health chief executive Chris McDonnell said. Its around 20 years old so its served its time, I think its end of life was in 2020 so to have this funding forthcoming is a massive boost for the health service. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the fire system upgrade was vital not only for staff, but also for patients and visitors and will ensure they get the highquality care they need in better and safer facilities, with the funding coming from the latest round of the Victorian Governments flagship Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. She said under Labor, Seymour Health was receiving significant investment, with previous funding announcements including a $1.6 million redevelopment of the urgent care centre, and $3.1 million to upgrade Barrabill House, which will create six new additional beds within a new 14-bed wing complete with single bedrooms and ensuites, new common and social areas and improved staff facilities. This is yet another significant Labor Government investment in the health and safety of not only our hard working nurses, doctors and staff at Seymour Health but also patients, Ms Symes said. Labor candidate for Euroa Fionna DeppelerMorton welcomed the investment. Im proud that the Labor Government delivers when it comes to health, this is a government that puts patients first and is ensuring our country hospitals have the facilities and support to do what they do best keep our community healthy, she said.