Health services in thePenrith will be better off after the O’Farrell Government’s successful negotiations with the Commonwealth as part of the Federal Health Agreement, Stuart Ayres the Member for Penrith, said today.
The Federal Government has led the way by listening to the needs of NSW and the others states in negotiating an historic deal giving states and territories equal per capita share of an extra $9.5 billion over six years.
Mr Ayressaid it was extremely positive thatNepean Hospitaland health services will benefit from the historic deal.
\”This is good news for not onlyNepean Hospitaland health services in thePenrith electorate but very good news for New South Wales overall,”Ayres said today.
“Unlike the previous agreement, the new deal allowed earlier access to funds and much greater flexibility in moving funds between hospitals and services aimed at reducing hospital admissions – one of the NSW Government’s key commitments,” he said.
“Under the Liberals & Nationals Government, NSW is finally getting its fair share of Commonwealth funding.
\”I congratulate the Premier, Barry O’Farrell and the Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, for their efforts in securing a record deal $3 billion over the next six years.
\”As well as record funding, the O’Farrell Government has also negotiated a deal to allow greater flexibility in the spending the new funding on hospital avoidance programs.”
Some of the programs that could benefit include:
- Enrolment in chronic disease management programs;
- More funding for diabetes nurse educators to deliver better dietary education for diabetics;
- Engagement of GP liaison officers to ensure patients see their GP after hospital discharge; and
- Caring for older patients by linking hospital care to outpatient and community based care.
I will be looking to work closely with theNepean – Blue MountainsLocal Heath District to look at how we can unlock funds specifically for our region.
