Local MPs are joining the community in celebrating the $110 million upgrade that has been secured for Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
Independent MP for Lyne Robert Oakeshott said this is the largest funding amount ever committed to the Hospital and the largest commitment ever from the Commonwealth to a hospital in the electorate of Lyne.
“It is a day of celebration for everyone in our community who has written a letter, signed a petition, made a phone call or contributed in any way to the campaign for this upgrade.
“Our community faces enormous growth pressures and nowhere are those pressures felt more strongly than in the emergency department, wards and operating theatres of Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
“The Fourth Pod development has been the top health priority for capital works from Port Macquarie to the Tweed. However, today’s announcement has confirmed the addition of a fourth and fifth pod for the hospital, which will dramatically improve patient outcomes for thousands of people throughout our region.
“PMBH operates in a network with hospitals at Wauchope and Kempsey so today’s announcement is a win not only for the people of Port Macquarie, but for all those accessing acute care services across the Hastings-Macleay network.”
Mr Oakeshott paid tribute to the health professionals and support staff at the hospital who have continued to provide excellent care to patients despite the pressures of growing service demand. Independent Member for Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, has welcomed the Federal Government’s $110 million upgrade.
“Today’s funding commitment ensures that the doctors, nurses and ancillary staff at the hospital will have the infrastructure and equipment they need to continue delivering first-class health care to our community,” Mr Besseling said.
“There has been a tremendous effort to get the federal and state governments to commit real resources to this hospital. Today’s announcement is recognition of that effort.
“This is the single greatest investment in the history of the base hospital and is only possible because of the state’s $80 million buy-back in 2005.
