THE emergency departments at the Wodonga and Wangaratta hospitals have received $1 million to help them cope with drug-affected patients.

The Victorian Premier Denis Napthine yesterday said both hospitals would receive $500,000 so they could better respond to patients affected by alcohol and drugs such as ice.

The hospitals are among six in the state to receive the grants.

The Victorian opposition last week slammed government funding cuts to the police budget and released statistics showing a 37 per cent jump in drug-related crime in Wodonga over four years and a 28 per cent rise at Wangaratta.

“Alcohol and drug-affected patients require special care,” Dr Napthine said.

“They provide challenges for staff and often challenges for other patients.

“This is a recognition people affected by drugs and alcohol pose special challenges for hard-working emergency department nurses and doctors.”

Dr Napthine was joined by member for Benambra Bill Tilley at Wodonga hospital where he made the announcement.

Mr Tilley said Wodonga’s emergency department would decide how to spend the money.

Options could include hiring an alcohol and drug specialist or more staff training.

“We are delivering better health services for the Wodonga region by massively increasing resources for Albury Wodonga Health,” Mr Tilley said.

“Since coming to government, we have increased funding for Albury Wodonga Health by almost 40 per cent or $51.3 million.

The $500,000 grant was part of a $34 million package in this year’s budget to tackle the impact of ice and other drugs.

The member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy welcomed the Wangaratta hospital grant, saying the government was committed to improving the city’s health services.

“In the most recent state budget, we increased funding for Wangaratta District Base Hospital 5.9 per cent, or $4.5 million,” he said.