MORE BEDS, TREATMENT AND UPGRADES FOR AUSTIN HOSPITAL
A total of $37.3 million has been announced for works to expand surgical, intensive care and emergency department facilities at the Austin Hospital as part of the Federal Government's National Health Reform, which will improve waiting times and increase bed availability.
Works to be delivered include:
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A reconfiguration of the emergency department to include a new patient examination room and resuscitation cubicle;
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An expansion of intensive care unit bed capacity to 6 beds;
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An expansion of surgical theatres, surgical beds and recovery bays to 4 operating theatres and 12 surgical beds;
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Over $14 million to treat more emergency and elective surgery patients;
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$3.7 million to increase mental health prevention and recovery care services by 10 beds.
MELBOURNE BRAIN CENTRE AT THE AUSTIN HOSPITAL
Jenny Macklin officially opened the Melbourne Brain Centre at the Austin Hospital site in Heidelberg in June 2011. The Federal Government has invested a total of $77 million in the state-of-the-art facility.
The Melbourne Brain Centre is one of the world's leading institutes treating brain injuries, hosting an elite group of researchers and nueroscientists from across the globe, to study the brain.
The experts will be able to study patients and treat patients suffering stroke, head and spinal injuries, epilepsy, depression, addiction and schizophrenia.
MEDICARE LOCAL
A Medicare Local has now been announced for North Eastern Melbourne.
The North East Valley and Northern Melbourne Divisions of General Practice have been selected as our Northern Melbourne Medicare Local, one of 19 announced across Australia.
Medicare Locals work with GP's, nurses, allied health professionals, indigenous health organisations and hospital networks to address any gaps in local health services.
They will boost efficiency and patient treatment by improving the links between our local health care services.
TEEN DENTAL PLAN
The Medicare Teen Dental Plan is about helping teenagers get into the habit of having regular dental health checks to reduce the risk of major dental problems later in life.
The Voucher provides up to $159.85 towards the cost of a preventative dental check.
The check consists of an oral examination and, if required, X-rays, a scale and clean, fluoride treatment, oral hygiene instruction, dietary advice and fissure sealing.
To be eligible, a teenager must be entitled to Medicare benefits, be aged 12-17 years for at least part of the calendar year, and be receiving certain government benefits individually or as part of a family.