The $75 million fourth pod expansion at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, with a cardiac cath lab, is set to be delivered as soon as possible within our first term of government under NSW Liberals & Nationals leadership.
In an election promise, the party said it will also develop a Master Plan for the Port Macquarie Base Hospital precinct that will take into account the immediate and future needs of the site, including car parking, access and future needs.
Barry O’Farrell outlined the NSW Liberals & Nationals’ positive, practical plans to invest over $3 billion in health infrastructure over the next four years.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals are focussed on delivering better regional health infrastructure,” NSW Nationals leader Andrew Stoner said.
“That is why the NSW Liberals & Nationals will ensure the $75 million fourth pod expansion at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, with a cardiac cath lab, is delivered as soon as possible within our first term of government.
“The fourth pod expan-sion at Port Macquarie Base Hospital has been a commitment of the NSW Liberals & Nationals since 2008.
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said the announcements included an additional $885 million to fast track hospital upgrades and redevelopments including projects like the expansion of the Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
The Nationals candidate for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said that, after 16 years of Labor, the only way to change regional NSW is to change the government.
The expansion is fantastic news that will be welcomed by Mental Health Services in particular, Member for Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, said.
“This is a great win for the people of Port Macquarie and I wholeheartedly welcome the Opposition leader’s announcement,” Mr Besseling said.
“Along with the $75 million already committed by the federal government, secured by our federal member, this additional funding will provide a pool of at least $150 million for the expansion of hospital facilities.
“Should the funding proposal currently before the Health and Hospitals Fund of $110 million be approved, this has the potential to see an investment of up to $185 million in local hospital services.
“This funding will allow for the much-needed expansion of Mental Health facilities at the hospital at the very least, which are currently the subject of an additional funding investigation.
“Exact details of services attached to this additional funding have yet to be announced, but I am certain that the funding will be put to very good use,” Mr Besseling said.
