VICTORIAN Premier Daniel Andrews has committed to discussing improving cardiac and cancer services at Mildura Base Public Hospital.

Responding to a question in Victoria Parliament from Member for Mildura Ali Cupper, Mr Andrews said the Victorian Government acknowledged more could be done to improve cardiac and cancer care services in regional areas.

“I can confirm that both I and the Minister for Health would be more than happy to engage with all the relevant parties, whether it be the board chair, the CEO, the local member—the local member, who is a champion for her community,” Mr Andrews said.

“I will sit down and work through these issues, whether it be in terms of cancer, cardiac or any other services that we could improve in the north-west of the state.”

Mildura Base Public Hospital was officially returned to a public management model on Tuesday, a year after Mr Andrews and Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos announced the Victorian Government would not be extending Ramsay Health Care’s contract.

“Mildura hospital is now the Mildura Base Public Hospital, and the Member for Mildura and all in her community who have advocated so passionately and effectively to get that outcome should be proud,” Mr Andrews told Parliament.

Mr Andrews said $9 million had been allocated from the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund for an eight-bed intensive care unit and an eight-bed paediatric ward and there had been a 40 per cent increase in funding in the health service under his government.

Outside of Parliament, Ms Cupper welcomed the Premier’s acknowledgment of a disparity in oncology and cardiac outcomes in regional Victoria.

“I look forward to facilitating discussions between the Premier and Minister for Health with the new hospital officials about what more can be done at Mildura Base Public Hospital to improve these crucial services,” she said.