NSW BUDGET: $11.5 million for growing families in St George Hospital Delivery Suite

Expectant mums, new parents and newborns will benefit from a landmark $157 million Parents Package in tomorrow’s State Budget, as well as an additional $11.5 million investment to expand the birthing suite at St George Hospital.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced over the weekend that the funding included 100 more midwives, extra child and family health nurses to support new parents both in hospital and at home, and an optional “Baby Bundle” of essential items for new parents.

“We are there for NSW families, right from the very beginning, providing significant support during one of life’s most exciting journeys,” Ms Berejiklian said.

In addition to the $157 million Parents Package, the NSW Government has also fast-tracked $11.5 million in the 2018-19 Budget to co-locate the delivery suite and birth centre and include refurbishment of the older operating theatres at St George Hospital.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure MP, announced the news today.

“Local women deserve the best possible health care, especially when they are giving birth. The expanded and refurbished birthing suite will give families the best possible start to parenthood,” Mr Coure said.

“For years, I have seen the demand for maternity services increasing at St George Hospital and I have joined with the community to lobby for additional funding.

“Today’s funding will mean the delivery suite will be co-located with the birth centre and includes refurbishment of the older operating theatres at the hospital,” Mr Coure said.

This project builds upon works underway at St George Hospital, which included a new nine-storey Acute Services Building, which opened in October 2017.

“The changes at St George Hospital improve family choice in birthing services and mean more families will be able to choose their local hospital for their birth day.”