Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund

The key objectives of the MHIF are to assist metropolitan health services to:

• meet compliance obligations
• reduce infrastructure risk and service interruptions/deterioration related to assets
• enhance service capacity, support contemporary models of care and improve patient and staff amenity to meet current needs
• sustain and improve infrastructure assets that provide essential capacity for delivering responsive and appropriate clinical services across metropolitan public health facilities
• further incentivise health services and agencies to implement effective asset management that aligns with existing government frameworks and policies.
• improve safety for patients and healthcare workers through reliable medical equipment
• sustain clinical service continuity and provide greater access for the care and treatments of patients
• support workforce attraction and retention.

The 2023-24 Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Funding (MHIF) will be made available through a grants-based program to Victorian metropolitan health services and other eligible agencies including:

• acute
• sub-acute (rehabilitation care)
• community palliative care services
• mental health
• public residential aged care
• primary and community health
• registered community health organisations (CHOs)
• aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).

Applicants may be ineligible for consideration in this funding round where they have received funding under previous MHIF rounds and either:

• failed to substantially commence their project within two years of receipt of funds
• failed to fully comply with conditions of funding (for example, submission of progress reports,
  acquittals, unapproved change of scope)
• failed to complete their projects within approved timeframes, without reasonable and adequate justification accepted by VHBA in its absolute discretion.

See the guidelines for a complete list of eligible and ineligible health services.

Capital funding are available for highest risk projects relating to Quality and Safety and Regulatory
Compliance including:

• construction: minor infrastructure including replacement, reconfiguration, remodelling, and
  refurbishment projects (including minor extensions) to address aged building fabric etc.
• non construction: engineering infrastructure and plant, standalone furniture, and fittings.
• information and communications technology (ICT) e.g. building management systems and fire
  systems.
• new technologies including systems to reduce usage and increase efficiencies of power and / or water.
• compliance related capital and /or upgrade works e.g. AS4187 including pandemic improvement / readiness, Fire, and life safety works.
• medical equipment and associated building works.

The following are examples of items which may be included in funding submissions:

• Infection prevention and control
• Fire safety
• Major medical equipment
• Minor medical equipment
• Healthcare worker safety
• Construction works

Ineligible and excluded items:

• operational funding (including recurrent costs for items such as subscriptions, licencing, ongoing support, and increased head count operational resources etc.)
• funding for direct costs of staff not associated with MHIF projects (such as project managers, ICT personnel, etc)
• fixtures, fittings, and furniture not associated with a refurbishment project or specialty medical
  equipment. Routine replacement of furniture and fittings that are worn is the responsibility of
  agencies to manage as part of their existing maintenance and replacement program
• general building maintenance such as cleaning, painting, general repairs which are deemed to be operational activities will not be considered
• master planning
• purchase and or leasing of motor vehicles
• motor vehicles.

See the guidelines for a complete list of eligible and ineligible projects and expenditure.

1. Strategic alignment (20%)

• alignment with government commitments and policies
• alignment with strategic plan; statement of priorities; service plan and master plan

2. Healthcare quality and safety improvement (70%)

• address one or more of: regulatory compliance; standards compliance; patient and staff amenity; safety, quality; risk

3. Service efficiency and demand pressure (10%)

• address one or more of: service capacity; demand pressure; models of care; service efficiency of targeted services; efficiency; health care improvement

4. Project readiness (Projects will be assessed as ready, partially ready or not ready)

• organisational readiness to implement the project, including key milestones and timeframe for completion. Relevant supporting documentation as outlined in the submission requirements section of this document must be provided.
• all project dependencies must be listed including their potential impact on the project cost, schedule, scope and benefits.

5. Governance (Project governance will be assessed as strong, good or inadequate )

• the degree to which health service/agency governance structures and processes are in place to oversee the proposed project development, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• this relates to the governance framework supporting transparency, probity and accountability relating to the delivery of this proposal.

You should read and understand the guidelines.

You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.

Applications should demonstrate:

• how the proposed changes will improve health outcomes for people in metropolitan Melbourne
• alignment with the government’s commitments and policies, for example: Health 2040, Statewide design, service and infrastructure plan
• how any risks have been identified and mitigation strategies adopted to address these
• evidence to support the problem / issue / risk or opportunity:
  – incident data
  – Safer Care Victoria report
  – independent reports from specialists detailing current risks and or issues and how the project will address these
• describe the benefits your project is expected to achieve supported by metrics / data to measure current performance and targeted outcomes, with timelines based on the successful delivery of the project, for example improved patient services.

Recommended submission evidence and supporting documentation:

• Project management plan, outlining;
  1. governance and reporting structures
  2. key risk and dependencies which may impact ability to deliver the project
  3. key resources required to deliver the project
  4. procurement strategy/approach
  5. Implementation schedule.
• Schematic design drawings, conceptual sketch and preliminary documentation
• Detailed design drawings, documents and technical specifications and supporting consultant reports (i.e. building services) beyond conceptual, sketch or preliminary documentation phase.
• Schematic or detailed cost plan from an independent professional quantity surveyor, which includes acceptable allowances for design, construction contingencies, escalation, and cost risk
• Regulatory approvals (planning, building etc) are in place and conditions able to be satisfied within Total Estimated Investment (TEI)
• Other supporting evidence inclusive of photographs of current conditions, evidence of non compliance, audit or non-compliance reports, worksafe notices etc.
• Trade or vendor quotes received

Applications are submitted online via the SmartyGrants portal.

Register your interest here with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.

Here’s a sample of previous MHIF recipients: