- Minister for Health
A flagship new Geelong Women’s and Children’s Hospital promised by the Andrews Labor Government is another step closer.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today announced the hospital set to give local women world-class maternity and paediatric services closer to home will be built right next door to University Hospital Geelong, allowing easy access to the Kids Emergency Department being built at the major hospital by the Labor Government.
Building the new hospital next to University Hospital Geelong means the site of the old Geelong Private Hospital, Baxter House, can now be turned into a cutting-edge Elective Surgery Centre – a major investment promised by a Shorten Labor Government – ensuring a state-of-the-art precinct for Geelong patients.
Last year, the Labor Government invested $10 million towards identifying options for a Geelong Women’s and Children’s Hospital. We’ve since committed $100 million to get construction up and running.
A Shorten Labor Government will not only invest $50 million towards the project, but will commit a further $40 million to the Elective Surgery Centre, helping do the heavy lifting to improve waiting lists that Scott Morrison has refused to act on.
The planning process has identified the new hospital is better placed next door to the University Hospital Geelong – making sure mums and babies don’t have to cross the road to get from one hospital to another.
You can’t trust the Liberals when it comes to health. Scott Morrison’s proposed ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Funding Agreement would see Barwon Health faced with a $99 million cut over the life of the five-year agreement – that’s the equivalent of more than 16,000 fewer elective surgeries or nearly 800 fewer nurses.
As stated by Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“We said we’d get the planning right to make sure the Geelong Women’s and Children’s Hospital meets the needs of local families best – and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
As stated by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“This is a game-changer for every nurse, doctor and patient in Geelong. It’s more proof that only Labor invests in the healthcare that families can count on.”
As stated by Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
“This is what a real partnership is all about. With our investments and Bill Shorten’s commitments, we’re making sure all locals can get the world-class care they need.”
As stated by Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
“Whether you’re having a baby, whether a child is sick or whether you need surgery to get back to full health, only Labor will partner with nurses and doctors to give you care you can count on.”
As stated by Member for Lara John Eren
“While Scott Morrison cuts health and puts patients last, we’re backing our hard-working health professionals to deliver the very best care.”
