The Minister for the Illawarra & the South Coast Ryan Park today announced that the upcoming state budget will set aside $22 million to improve Wollongong Hospital and $7.5 million to upgrade Milton Ulladulla Hospital.

The improvements at Wollongong Hospital – a key healthcare election commitment – will include:

• $7.85 million investment in medical imaging services to provide a new CT scanner and MRI;
• $2 million to improve radiation treatment services for cancer patients; and
• $12 million to start the planning and design work for a future redevelopment of the hospital infrastructure and services.

The upgrades at Milton Ulladulla – another election pledge – will include:

• a CT scanner;
• $1.5 million to upgrade the Community Cancer Services Centre; and
• $500,000 to start facility master planning, including a return of birthing services.

These investments in the budget will be in addition to the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver on the ongoing redevelopments of the $722 million Shellharbour Hospital and the $438 million Shoalhaven Hospital.

The Minns Labor Government remains committed to improving the accessibility and delivery of healthcare in the Illawarra and the South Coast.

At the same time, NSW is confronted with deteriorating fiscal conditions, left by the Liberals and Nationals.

In addition to record debt, the Liberals made more than $7 billion worth of promises they could not pay for, including not permanently funding 1,112 nurses and midwives working in NSW Hospitals.

The Minns Labor Government is now making the careful and necessary decisions to address the holes left in the budget by the Liberals to ensure we can deliver the Illawarra and the South Coast needs and deserves.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’ve always said that it shouldn’t matter where you live, everyone should have access to quality healthcare.

“It’s time to starting investing in healthcare in the Illawarra and South Coast again.”

Quotes attributable to Paul Scully, Member for Wollongong:

“I’ve been campaigning for better funding and better resourcing for Wollongong Hospital for years, so that our local health infrastructure can keep up with growing demands.

“NSW Labor committed to investments in our local healthcare and services before the election and we’re delivering on that commitment in our first Budget.

“This is a down payment on additional work that the Minns Labor Government will do to prepare Wollongong Hospital for the future through the future Hospital Master Plan and the Metro Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy.”

Quotes attributable to Anna Watson, Member for Shellharbour:

“The redevelopment of Shellharbour Hospital will ensure that our health system meets the needs of the local community now and well into the future.

“I am so proud that a Minns Labor Government is working to deliver on this.”

Quotes attributable to Liza Butler, Member for South Coast:

“I am proud to be part of a government that listens to the needs of the community and plans for the future growth of the area. 

“During the election campaign, I heard firsthand from residents of the Milton-Ulladulla area about the lack of health services in the region. 

“I am delighted to see the Minns Labor Government delivering our election commitment to improve services at Milton Hospital.”

Quotes attributable to Maryanne Stuart, Member for Heathcote:

“This funding is great news for residents in the ever-expanding Illawarra region.

“The $7.85 million for medical imaging services will reduce wait times and help with early detection of serious illnesses.”