NSW Health Minister Ms Jillian Skinner has responded to claims made by members of the Labor Party that Central Coast hospitals are underperforming as a result of budget cuts.
“Central Coast hospitals are among the busiest in the state and despite record numbers of patients, they continue to improve their timeliness of care,” said Ms Skinner. “I’m advised for the month of October, Central Coast Local Health District has recorded their highest ever performance against the four hour benchmark. “Gosford Hospital achieved 61.7% while Wyong Hospital achieved 72.7%, which continues to demonstrate the district’s commitment to improvement. “Gosford and Wyong Hospitals were longneglected by Labor. “In stark contrast, the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government has invested $2.7 million to begin the major upgrade of Gosford Hospital – a project worth more than $350 million. “This redevelopment will ensure Gosford Hospital can care for its community well into the future. “The proposed scope includes a new emergency department, intensive care unit/high dependency unit expansion, ambulatory care, operating theatre and additional inpatient beds for medical, acute and subacute services. “It will also include clinical and non-clinical support services and car parking. “In addition, a 10-bed Short Stay Unit at Gosford Hospital has become operational at Gosford emergency department which is expected to further improve performance, particularly waiting times. “The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government has boosted the Central Coast Local Health District budget this year by 6.4% to a record $693 million. “The Central Coast has had one of the highest budget increases among the state’s 15 Local Health Districts,” said Ms Skinner.
Media release, 9 Dec 2014
Samantha Lo Blanco,
Offi ce of Jillian Skinner MP