Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead has demanded funding be made available to progress the planning of both the proposed Forster public hospital and the $100 million stage two upgrade of Manning Base Hospital.
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Mr Bromhead spoke at length about the projects in parliament late last month saying: "Funding the next step of the planning for both these projects is simply a no-brainer".
Asked whether there were concerns that the projects wouldn't be funded by the State government, a spokesperson for Mr Bromhead said the MP was simply reinforcing his commitment to the projects ahead of the release of the 2020-2021 NSW Budget.
"It's assumed that the funding will be there but you've got to make your voice heard," the spokesperson said.
Speaking to parliament, Mr Bromhead said the health needs of his electorate was his number one priority.
"A clinical services plan is already complete for both projects, but we need more funding to keep the ball rolling on these vital health infrastructure developments," Mr Bromhead said.
"The demand for the Forster hospital is so great that the community funded and built the Cape Hawke Community Hospital, which was established in 1985, themselves.
"We already have public renal dialysis chairs, public chemo therapy and public rehabilitation beds in the facility.
As the local member I won't back down until these promises are delivered.
- Stephen Bromhead
"We must lock in funding for phase two of the planning which will create a detailed design of the projects with urgency.
"Improving our health care both in bricks and mortar and (ensuring) personnel numbers and services is provided is a fight I will never back down from.
"We have the oldest demographic in the entire state in Myall Lakes so continued investment in our health care system is vital.
"Since I've been in office we've doubled the recurring funding for Manning Base Hospital allowing for a horde of new recruitments to improve the hospital's services and level of care.
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"We've recruited new oncologists, anaesthetists, paediatricians and many more vital roles that are improving our local health care standards.
"These improvements are having a trickle-down effect with the hospital recently garnering a total of 280 applications for 10 full-time registrar roles.
"Myself and the Liberal National Government made a commitment during the last election for the $100 million stage two upgrade of Manning Base Hospital and the planning of Forster public hospital; as the local member I won't back down until these promises are delivered."
The 2020-21 Budget is set to be delivered on November 17.
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