16 June 2008

More Investment at Wyong Hospital

NSW Minister for Health Reba Meagher said today the $1.26 billion allocated to Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service in the 2008-09 Health Budget would deliver better access to a range of health services for people in Wyong.

Ms Meagher today joined Member for Wyong David Harris to visit Wyong Hospital and said the investment is part of a $13.15 billion Budget aimed at better managing chronic illnesses in the community so that hospitals can continue to provide access for people who need acute care.

"For people living in on the Central Coast that means funding for more beds, more doctors and nurses and expanded community health services closer to home," Ms Meagher said.

"A key aspect of this year's health spending in the Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service is an additional 20 beds at Wyong Hospital to establish a Medical Assessment Unit.

"The Central Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in the state and the influx of young families and retirees puts increasing demand on the health system.

"Medical Assessment Units are part of a wider strategy to address the challenges of providing health care to a population which is ageing and requiring improved access to essential health services.

"The number of people aged 75 years and older who are going to public hospital emergency departments is rising by 20 per cent each year and the key challenge is to find the best way to provide the right type of care that these patients need."

Mr Harris said this year's Budget also includes $1.4 million for additional works at Wyong Hospital as part of the Central Coast Access Plan.

"The $220 million Central Coast Access Plan has transformed Wyong and Gosford hospitals into state-of-the-art health facilities which have the capacity to treat the region's rapidly growing population," Mr Harris said.

"Residents across the region will also benefit from a $32 million statewide investment in new hospital equipment, including $3.9 million locally for important hospital ward equipment such as blood pressure machines, ECG machines and lifting equipment.

"The Iemma Government is boosting health funding right across the Central Coast area to ensure local communities have access to high quality health services closer to home."

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