The new Maitland Hospital at Metford will deliver a new emergency department, more surgical theatres and a new day chemotherapy service, providing excellent health care for the community well into the future, Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said today.
“As the community is aware, we had been considering a partnership with a not-for-profit provider in the hope that it would deliver even bigger and better free public health services,” Mr Hazzard said.
“I have always said that the community would continue to receive free public health care no matter what and that we would evaluate proposals on the basis that there is a greater benefit to the community than can be delivered by Government funding alone.
“After much consideration, we have decided on a public health-led approach for the brand new Maitland Hospital at Metford.
“I want to reassure the people of Maitland and surrounding areas that they are getting a world-class hospital, and the NSW Liberal & Nationals Government is focused on making that happen as soon as possible.”
Services to be provided at the new Maitland Hospital include:
“Labor has put the new hospital at risk by reckless statements which could have delayed the whole project. The NSW Government is not willing to let the Maitland community become pawns in Labor’s game-playing. The community deserves this new hospital,” Mr Hazzard said.
Some $5 million has been allocated in the 2017/18 State Budget and planning for construction will commence immediately. More than $4 billion is being invested in regional and rural NSW on health projects.
“The new Maitland Hospital is part of a regional building boom which is not only bringing much-needed health facilities to country NSW, but is also generating thousands of construction and health-related jobs in local communities,” Mr Hazzard said.