By MATT NICHOLLS
SURPLUS money from the $110 million upgrade of Port Macquarie Base Hospital should be stay in the electorate, retiring Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott says.
The upgrade of the hospital is on track to come in under budget, but Mr Oakeshott said the State Government, which he said contributed just 12 per cent of the project cost, was now looking to take back $6 million.
The Independent MP said any leftover money should be invested in further services at the hospital – not syphoned off to Sydney.
“It’s great that the project looks like achieving a $6 million save, but I’m calling on Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams to back our community on this and insist the money stays with the hospital to improve clinical services,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“The pressure on the hospital due to a growing, ageing population is well known, and it took an extraordinary set of circumstances following the last federal election to have the infrastructure problem addressed.
“Realistically, we’ll get one go at this major upgrade, so we need to maximise it.”
Mr Oakeshott said the $14 million in State Government funding was secured by former state MP Peter Besseling, now the mayor of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
“If the National Party wants to contribute to this project, it could start by ensuring the $6 million stays at the hospital,” Mr Oakeshott said.
“If there are savings from an efficient build, Port Macquarie should be rewarded; not penalised by a State Government wanting to reclaim almost half of its small financial contribution to this project.”
Mr Oakeshott said one example of an identified need at the hospital was an extra eight beds for the mental health unit, which would cost about $5 million.
“I’m asking the National Party to back our community on this. Our hospital needs an expanded mental health unit and other critical medical services,” he said.
“Our hospital deserves the full allocation of $110 million and not a cent less.”
Mrs Williams said no decision had been made as to the future of leftover money from the hospital upgrade.
“As NSW Health has indicated, any decision on the future use of any surplus funds within the health capital program for the redevelopment of Port Macquarie Base Hospital will be made by the State Government after the project is completed,” the state MP said.
“The Port Macquarie Base Hospital expansion project is fully funded and 100 per cent of the original scope as well as an interventional theatre and equipment are being delivered.
“It is disappointing that Mr Oakeshott has again issued a media release based on unsubstantiated claims for the purpose of criticising both the State Government and the Nationals.
“If Mr Oakeshott is genuinely concerned about any aspect of the hospital redevelopment project I encourage him to contact me for discussion and clarification.
“As the redevelopment is not scheduled for completion until April, it is premature to forecast the final cost of the project.”
