The NSW Government has committed at least $450 million towards Stage 2 of the Nepean Hospital redevelopment, marking a $4.9 billion milestone committed to Western Sydney’s renewal of hospitals by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, Minister for Western Sydney and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres and Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies said today’s announcement highlights the NSW Government’s focus on delivering a world-class network of hospitals across Western Sydney.
“After years of Labor neglect, our Government has delivered unprecedented funds to the development of world-class health facilities across Western Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Today I commit the NSW Government to at least another $450 million for Stage 2 of Nepean Hospital on top of the $576 million for Stage 1 which is under construction.
“Medical practitioners at Nepean have said there needs to be certainty that Stage 2 will follow on immediately from Stage 1.
“Following the strong advocacy of local members Stuart Ayres and Tanya Davies, this guarantee of further funding for Stage 2 ensures the builders and the cranes will stay on site at the end of construction of Stage 1 and that Stage 2 will continue seamlessly.”
Mr Ayres said: “This billion dollar investment in Nepean Hospital will give the community and the medical staff the facilities needed to support the growing Western Sydney population.
“It’s a win-win for all of us in the local area and comes on the back of 800 additional full time staff – including 119 more doctors and nearly 300 more nurses – that have been employed in the local health district on our Government’s watch.
“After being treated with band-aids by past governments Nepean Hospital is finally being built for the future.”
Mrs Davies said: “We know the area is going to experience growth well above state average in the number of people who will be over 70 years old.
“That’s why planning for Stage 2 will consider specialist services to support an ageing population, such as cardiac and respiratory services, medical imaging and nuclear medicine, cancer, palliative care and rehabilitation services.”
Mr Hazzard said: “Committing $4.9 billion to Western Sydney hospitals is something Labor could only have dreamed of.
“This big spend is emblematic of our Government’s recognition that Western Sydney residents shouldn’t have to travel to get the health care they need.
“People should remember Labor’s appalling record when it was in Government and that it took Western Sydney for granted.
“When Labor was in office they spent a measly $7.7 million a year on average on Nepean Hospital, but our Government is now delivering more than $1 billion for a substantial rebuild of this hospital.
“I want to acknowledge the 100 per cent commitment of doctors and nurses and other staff who will be able to deliver even better health services in state-of-the-art 21st Century facilities right across Western Sydney.
“While Stage 1 at Nepean proceeds full steam ahead, the Government has instructed Health Infrastructure to give priority to planning for Stage 2 this year and to continue to deliver across the network of Western Sydney hospitals being renewed.
“Construction on Nepean’s new $26 million multi-storey hospital car park is already underway and the new clinical services building is scheduled for completion in 2021.
“Stage 1 will provide 200 more beds and a new emergency department, it is also responding to the young families of the area with expanded maternity and neonatal services.”
The NSW Government is investing in Western Sydney, with $4.9 billion of first-class health facilities either completed or committed to since 2011, including: