New nursery for newborns

The Victorian Government has announced an additional $2.62 million to expand the Special Care Nursery in the Thomson maternity unit at Latrobe Regional Hospital.

Minister for Health Jill Hennessy visited the nursery and met the parents of some of the babies in care before the announcement. “At Latrobe Regional Hospital, our investment will make a real difference to the lives of the most fragile babies.” Ms Hennessy said.

The funding will enable Latrobe Regional Hospital to double the number of cots from six to 12 which will significantly boost capacity to deliver neonatal care to premature babies and those with special needs.

Latrobe Regional Hospital chief executive Peter Craighead said the funding would also allow for three rooms in maternity and three paediatric rooms in the Tarra unit to be remodelled. Work is expected to begin later this year.

The funding has been made available through the first round of the government’s new Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.

The Minister also formally announced a boost to telehealth services with Monash Health receiving $332,000 to work with Latrobe Regional Hospital, Bass Coast Health, Bairnsdale Regional Health and Central Gippsland Health Service to increase access to telehealth consultations for paediatric specialist clinics.