05 June 2008

Iemma Government delivers funding for Auburn Hospital

NSW Minister for Health Reba Meagher said Western Sydney families would benefit from the Iemma Government’s $1.34 billion investment to deliver better services and health infrastructure in the 2008-09 Budget.

Ms Meagher said health funding this year for the Sydney West Area Health Service provided an additional $51.3 million on last year’s budget.

Visiting Auburn Hospital with the Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Auburn Barbara Perry, Ms Meagher said the 2008-09 Budget included $50.6 million to continue the $145.1 million redevelopment of Auburn Health Service.

“The new Auburn Health Service proves the Iemma Government’s commitment to the people of Western Sydney, and will be a state-of-the art facility,” Ms Meagher said.

“Construction is currently ahead of schedule and the project is on track for occupation by mid-2009.”

The hospital will include:

• Up to 184 beds
• Six operating theatres
• Medical imaging services, including a CT scanner
• 24 hour emergency department
• Physiotherapy
• Other allied health services
• A new BreastScreen Western Service

A community hub is also under consideration for inclusion in the project to provide a range of community health and associated services.

“The Iemma Government is also investing $1.8 million to build a new Ambulance Station at Auburn which will allow for extra paramedics and additional vehicles,” Ms Meagher said.

Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Auburn Barbara Perry said t he local community was confident that the hospital would meet the expectations of staff and patients.

“The design development process has featured extensive consultation with hospital staff and management, so we are reassured that the project reflects the real needs of our community – staff, patients, visitors and carers,” Ms Perry said.

“Auburn is diverse, close-knit community and I believe the new hospital design, which includes an extensive arts and cultural component, reflects Auburn’s vibrant culture while meeting its future healthcare needs.”

“These investments prove the Iemma Government’s commitment to building state-of-the-art facilities for the growing population of Western Sydney,” Ms Meagher said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au