In a time when so many budgets are being cut and organisations, as well as families, feel the pressure of ever increasing prices, it comes as good news that Stawell Regional Health will receive a significant budget increase in 2008/09 from the State Government.

The increase, which amounts to $482,000 and brings the hospital's budget for the financial year to a record $10.65 million, will bring about so many positive outcomes.

It will not only enable the health service to better manage the various cost pressures that have arisen over the past year, it will also provide for opportunities to press forward with some new community based programs.

The budget increase will also mean the ability to maintain all existing services as well as build on the stable financial position Stawell Regional Health has established in recent years.

The community has always played a big part in the successful operation of the Stawell Hospital and management are looking forward to this continuing.

In the past, the community has always come to the party when the hospital has conducted appeals and while the increase in government funding means the public may not have to dig deep into their pockets this year, there needs to be some caution as to whether or not increases of this capacity can be continued into the future.