Australia's New South Wales (NSW) Government has earmarked A$3bn ($1.93bn) in the budget for hospital upgrades and construction in Greater Western Sydney.
This investment is said to be one of the largest healthcare infrastructure investments in the region's recent history.
The budget includes A$400m ($257.65m) for the construction of the A$700m ($450.88m) Rouse Hill Hospital, the first new adult public hospital in Western Sydney in over 40 years.
It will be equipped with emergency, maternity, ambulatory, outpatient care, and medical imaging services.
Other investments include A$550m ($354.27m) for Fairfield Hospital, A$350m ($225.44m) for Canterbury Hospital, A$1.3bn ($837.36m) to build the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, and A$120m ($77.29m) for additional beds at Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals.
These investments aim to add 600 new hospital beds in Greater Western Sydney, addressing healthcare challenges caused by years of neglect.
NSW health minister Ryan Park said: “Families living across Greater Western Sydney have a right to timely, equitable healthcare and they should have confidence in their local hospitals.”
“That’s why we’re committed to delivering the essential services our community deserves and expects all while building the healthcare infrastructure to meet the needs of these growing communities into the future.
“This is all part of our ambitious and comprehensive plan to invest in the state’s healthcare system and support and increase our frontline healthcare workforce.”
