The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will invest $864 million for major upgrades to St George ($385 million) and Ryde ($479 million) hospitals, to deliver world-class healthcare and provide additional beds for local communities.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this significant investment in St George and Ryde hospitals was only possible because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
“We have a strong track record when it comes to delivering health infrastructure, having already built or upgraded more than 100 hospitals and other health facilities across the State,” Ms Berejiklian said.
During a visit to St George Hospital in Kogarah, Ms Berejiklian also announced a $76 million elective surgery boost, focusing on children and cataract patients.
“No other NSW Government has ever invested as much in health and one of the benefits is the dramatic improvement in on-time paediatric specialist surgery times,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are not only building new and upgraded hospitals across the State, we are also ensuring people receive the best possible healthcare they need.”
Today’s announcement follows yesterday’s announcement of an unprecedented 5000 additional nurses and midwives to be recruited, along with more doctors and other health professionals, in a package to increase the health workforce by a total 8300 – a $2.8 billion investment.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the redeveloped St George and Ryde hospitals would increase capacity for local communities, ensuring people get the care they need close to home.
“This Government is serious about investing in hospitals – in fact we are investing more than $8 billion over the next four years, with about 100 health infrastructure projects underway and more to come,” Mr Hazzard said.
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said the $385 million investment brings to $700 million the total investment in several upgrades to St George Hospital facilities since 2011.
“At St George, we are committing to a new precinct including an ambulatory care unit, outpatient and day surgery services, a new day rehabilitation unit, increased subacute inpatient beds and a hub for community health and home-based services to ensure the local community gets the very best in health care,” Mr Coure said.
Member for Ryde Victor Dominello said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has long supported better healthcare in Ryde, and that this new investment would completely transform Ryde Hospital.
“This $479 million investment will create a new Ryde Hospital. The historic Denistone House will be preserved and be surrounded by modern and enhanced emergency, critical care, inpatient, community and ambulatory care services, as well as maternity services,” Mr Dominello said.
“Ryde Hospital has an emotional connection for most people in Ryde. Personally, I have a special affinity with Ryde Hospital as my sisters and I were all born here. This massive investment transforms a hospital we love into a modern facility that will continue to provide wonderful care for our community for generations to come.”
Planning for the redevelopment of the hospitals, which will involve consultation with local communities and hospital staff, with construction activities to commence during the next term of government.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government continues to triple Labor’s annual health infrastructure spending, having completed more than 100 new and upgraded hospitals and health facilities, including more than 63 in regional NSW, with another 100 projects underway.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has hired more than 16,000 doctors, nurses and midwives, allied health and support staff to deliver world-class health services across NSW.
By contrast, the former Labor government closed more than 2000 hospital beds and promised four major hospitals but never delivered.
