Labor win will see $225m go to boost health service, staff
Promising the funding over three years, NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns says the hospital has suffered years of neglect and desperately needs an upgrade.
“I’m determined to begin to meet the challenge with a comprehensive policy response, that’s not only about boosting staff numbers, but delivering the health infrastructure to go with it,” he said.
Mr Micallef suffered a heart attack into 2020 and was admitted to Canterbury Hospital for an angiogram “but they couldn’t help me, because they can’t do any harsh procedures”. He waited three days before being moved to a private hospital where he underwent an angiogram and a triple heart bypass.
The expansion would see at least an additional 120 beds, including more general medical and surgical beds; inpatient mental health beds; ambulatory beds; emergency department treatment spaces; intensive care unit beds; and maternity beds.
It would also include a new maternity department and renal dialysis services, while outpatient services will include the full suite of cardiovascular services, diabetes management, endocrinology, respiratory and cardiology.
A “very happy and very excited” State MP for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis, who was born at Canterbury Hospital, said despite years of fighting to get extra funding, nothing had happened.
“Anyone who has been to Canterbury Hospital knows it is long overdue for this upgrade and expansion. It’s been 25 years since the last time it’s been redeveloped,” she said.
City of Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour welcomed the funding, saying “it will breathe new life into the ageing facility and is a real shot in the arm for all residents and a vote of confidence in our community”.
“The community has been crying out for better facilities and services for some time, but the Government has ignored all pleas,” he said.
Shadow Minister for Health, Ryan Park said the funds would not go all the way to completing the redevelopment, but it would go an enormous way in getting the additional services and infrastructure that they needed most.
