Neal calls for hospital upgrade

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal has called for an upgrade to Woy Woy Hospital.

Her statement was made after an agreement was reached between the State and Federal governments on delivering a national health and hospitals network.

Ms Neal promised to continue working to improve local public health services including Woy Woy Hospital.

However, she did not say how she would like to see it upgraded.

She said the health agreement would introduce the most significant reforms to the Australian health and hospitals system since the introduction of Medicare.

"Given the structure and scope of these reforms, it is a perfect opportunity to create a dedicated Local Health Network for the Central Coast," Ms Neal said.

"This is an essential part of health reform for the Coast.

"We also need an upgrade to Woy Woy Hospital and an increase in the number and availability of trained GPs on the Coast.

The new National Health and Hospitals Network meant that doctors and nurses would have more say in the way their local hospital is run, through Local Hospital Networks and new primary health care organisations, according to Ms Neal.

"Under the Network, the Australian Government will become the dominant funder of public hospitals," Ms Neal said.

"This historic health reform means that the Federal Government will fund 60 per cent of public hospital building, equipment, teaching, training and services.

"It will take pressure off our public hospitals by improving the health care provided in the community.

"The Government will also fund all GP and primary care services and all aged care services."

Press release, 22 Apr 2010 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson