Patients and families in regional communities across Australia are set to benefit from the next round of the Gillard Government's $5 billion Health and Hospitals Fund, with applications now open.
The Prime Minister said this new round of the HHF would see $475 million invested in regional hospitals around Australia.
These funds will go towards projects such as new equipment or better buildings for local hospitals, new chronic disease management services and new or expanded mental and dental health services.
Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said the Gillard Government's Health and Hospitals Fund was providing communities with 21st century health systems that can meet patients' needs.
This capital funding round will complement the 148 other Health and Hospitals Fund projects totalling some $4.5 billion that are already underway in health services and hospitals all around Australia.
Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean said this new round was the third to give priority to regional, rural and remote areas.
More than 50 per cent of the HHF funding already allocated is being directed towards regional Australia, helping to make a big difference in the day-to-day lives of country Australians.
When this latest round is allocated, regional and rural areas will be assisted by health projects worth more than $2.9 billion through the HHF to help close the gaps that exist between health services in the city and the country.
The guidelines for this new funding round will be largely the same as those drawn up for the 2010 Regional Priority Round, with projects with local community support being a priority.
All projects funded under the regional priority round will be fully offset by savings measures to meet the Government's fiscal rules.
Applications close on 19 October 2011 and will then be assessed by the independent, expert HHF advisory board. Successful projects will be announced as part of the 2012 Budget.
Further information about the HHF is available from: www.health.gov.au/hhf