Oatley Electorate Health Infrastructure and Services

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-129109

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

Oatley Electorate Health Infrastructure and Services

Mr MARK COURE (OatleyMinister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Seniors) (20:43:26):

— On a positive note, residents living in the Oatley electorate have access to some of the best health facilities that the State has to offer. With multimillion dollar upgrades being delivered, St George Hospital has truly become the crowning jewel of the local area. It is a world-class health facility. Further upgrades mean that the hospital will remain a practical option in the future, with the capacity to meet the community's ever-changing needs. While the previous Labor Government neglected St George Hospital for 16 years, the Coalition Government has endeavoured to restore the hospital back to its former glory.

The latest round of upgrades will see the construction of a brand new state‑of‑the‑art ambulatory care building, with over $410 million invested as a part of the 2022‑23 State budget. Included in the design scope are essential health services such as blood transfusions and biopsies, a physical rehabilitation unit, specialised palliative care and brand new surgical services with refurbished operating theatres. Accessibility is the key to these upgrades, with a number of important services under the one roof. Over 300 meetings were held with key members of the community, hospital staff, clinicians and other key stakeholders to ensure that this was truly the right fit for the community. Those meetings have informed the new precinct's design, as well as the core services that it will accommodate.

A further $26 million was also announced as a part of the latest State budget to construct additional parking facilities at St George Hospital, which locals have been campaigning for over many years. This will allow staff and patients to gain easy access to the hospital, enabling them to get in and out much quicker. This funding is part of the New South Wales Government's record $33 billion investment in health as a part of the 2022‑23 budget. This investment is making a real difference to the Oatley electorate, and we will continue to back these essential services that residents rely on.

An initiative such as the Survivorship Clinic, operating as a part of the St George Hospital Cancer Care Centre, is one of the services making a real difference in the lives of locals recovering from cancer. Medical professionals work alongside patients who have undergone treatment for cancer, assisting them in overcoming the physical, emotional and mental toll of cancer treatment. The testimonies of some survivors are truly heartbreaking. I am so thankful that this service is available so close to home. With cancer impacting so many Australians, the support of skilled professionals in the recovery stage is critical.

I also recognise the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation, which has funded research at both St George and Sutherland hospitals. Operating for over 15 years, it has funded over 70 projects, with over $8.76 million in funding provided. This fantastic organisation supports emerging researchers, who often go on to secure larger grants through external funders to continue their research. This research not only impacts and changes the lives of those living within the St George community but often those in the wider community across Australia and the world. What better place to conduct research than St George Hospital, a world-class institution with some of the best and brightest doctors and nurses in the world?

With over $740 million invested into St George Hospital by this Government since 2011, this facility is truly one of a kind, providing world-class healthcare services to thousands of locals each and every year. Securing these investments for our local hospital is perhaps my proudest achievement. Working in consultation with the broader community and the New South Wales State Government, I will continue to deliver vital health services to the St George area and, in particular, the Oatley electorate. I am so proud of the work that has been done so far. I thank all the vital healthcare workers who work day in, day out to support our community. Whilst I know that there is always more to do, I can promise that we will continue to get the job done for our local community.