SWAN Hill District Health (SHDH) will have the “latest and greatest” theatre equipment after securing more than $1.5 million from the Victorian Government.
SHDH director of corporate business Kim Bennetts said the funds would go towards the AS4187 compliance project, which will see the replacement of sterilisers, water treatment and endoscopic and theatre equipment in the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD).
An additional $551,000 has been allocated for ICT and Wi-Fi upgrades and expansion across the organisation.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced the funds from the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).
Ms Bennetts said SHDH was “delighted” with the funding that allowed the health service to achieve compliance with Australian health standards in relation to water quality for sterilising equipment and utensils used in the theatre.
“The money will allow us to do some refurbishment of the CSSD area so workflows are improved,” she said.
“Much more exciting is the opportunity to replace a whole lot of important equipment including our sterilisers, instrument washers and disinfectors, to install a water treatment unit to facilitate a reverse osmosis water purification unit.
“That will ensure water is of the right standard relating to purity and cleanliness so that our equipment that’s sterilised is is clean and compliant with infection control requirements.”
Ms Bennetts said health services had to be ahead of the game when it came to equipment and technology.
“Making sure you are doing analysis of your current state and how it fits in with new the state and gaps that you need to claim for, which has been part of the process with the RHIG submission,” she said.
Ms Symes said everyone deserved access to quality health care facilities and services.
“We’re delivering better health outcomes for the local community with modern services and facilities while creating local jobs,” she said.
