Labor investing in health services for the far south coast
Mike Kelly,Warren Snowdon
posted Monday, 9 August 2010
Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Warren Snowdon, today joined Federal Labor Member for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly, to announce funding for vital health infrastructure for three health services on the south coast.
The funding is part of Federal Labor’s commitment to investing in better health services for all Australians.
Investing in health infrastructure is part of the Gillard Labor Government’s economic plan, to provide better health services and support regional economies.
In contrast, Tony Abbott would take the knife to health funding, with plans to cut GP Super Clinics and cut the after hours GP helpline.
Warren Snowdon said funding of $855,900 would be delivered to four different projects at the Pambula Medical Centre, Pambula Hospital, and Bega Hospital.
Pambula Medical Centre will receive up to $491,000 to offer more medical services to the Pambula community.
The investment will allow Pambula Medical Centre to extend its premises on to an adjacent property and modify and fit-out both sites. The practice will extend from five to eight consulting rooms, two of which will be used exclusively by medical students and GPs in-training.
“I am particularly pleased that this federal funding will enable Pambula Medical Practice to train more doctors here on the far south coast,” Mike Kelly said.
While in Pambula, Warren Snowdon and Mike Kelly also announced the Pambula Hospital will receive $300,000 to upgrade its air conditioning system.
The new air conditioning unit will service Pambula Hospital’s operating theatre, recovery and sterile stock storage areas.
“These capital works will allow the start of a new ophthalmology service for local residents in Pambula. Previously, residents here had to travel to Canberra or Batemans Bay for ophthalmology treatment, so this announcement is terrific news for the region,” Mike Kelly said.
“This expansion of services at Pambula Hospital means we can deliver more high quality health care close to people’s homes,” Warren Snowdon said.
Tenders for the air conditioning upgrade will be called soon and the new ophthalmology service is expected to start early next year.
Pambula Hospital will receive $35,000 to purchase a heart monitor and a mechanical ventilator to provide assisted breathing for patients requiring emergency care.
“This emergency department equipment will be very important for Pambula Hospital, and will mean better health services for the far south coast region,” Mike Kelly said.
Warren Snowdon and Mike Kelly also announced that Bega Hospital will receive $29,900 to purchase a Paediatric Resuscitation Trolley, patient trauma trolleys, and cardiac monitors.
“This emergency department equipment will be very important for Bega Hospital”, Mike Kelly said.
These announcements are funded from an existing allocation in the Budget.
Warren Snowdon said these investments would boost health and hospital services in Bega and Pambula.
“The Gillard Labor Government is investing in health and hospital service improvements. In contrast, last week Tony Abbott confirmed that a Coalition Government would cut vital elective surgery upgrades at Bega Hospital,” Warren Snowdon said.
“Mr Abbott lacks the judgement needed to deliver better health and hospital services.”
To further improve health services for communities in rural and remote areas, the Gillard Labor Government is delivering 1,000 new nursing training places every year and an additional 1,300 GPs qualified or training by 2013.
A Gillard Labor Government would move Australia forward with record investments and the most significant reforms to the health and hospitals system since the introduction of Medicare.
Tags: coast, Eden, health, hospital, hospitals, Kelly, Monaro, south