The state Labor government has failed to match the Liberals and Nationals’ pledge to fund long-overdue upgrades to Hamilton Base Hospital’s emergency department and intensive care unit.
The government today pledged $10 million for the hospital’s Central Sterilising Services Department, but stopped short of announcing funding for the ED or intensive care unit, which Western District Health Service has advocated for since 2014.
The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy congratulated the hospital’s board and staff for their successful advocacy in securing the funding for a new CSSD building for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising services.
“This investment is a credit to the hospital’s leadership, who have fought hard to secure better health facilities for our community,” Ms Kealy said.
“Modern sterilisation facilities are essential for safe surgical care, but this funding only addresses part of what Hamilton Base Hospital desperately needs.
“The Labor government has still not funded the long-overdue upgrades to the hospital’s emergency department and intensive care unit.
“Our patients and hardworking healthcare staff deserve modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, not more years of waiting.”
Ms Kealy said The Nationals had committed $45 million to build a new emergency department at the hospital and refurbish the intensive care unit if elected.
“This is a firm $45 million commitment to deliver both critical upgrades under a Nationals and Liberals Government,” she said.
“Our community should not have to continually fight for essential health infrastructure.
“Hamilton deserves its fair share, and The Nationals will deliver it.”
