The NSW premier has vowed to make Western Sydney hospitals a “hell of a lot better,” saying the current offering “hasn’t been good enough”.<\/p>\n
However, Chris Minns again dismissed opposition calls for an inquiry into the region’s hospitals, saying he believed the public wanted the government to “get on with it”.<\/p>\n
The premier made the comments while unveiling new artist’s impression of the $2 billion Bankstown Hospital, which is due for completion in 2031.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The plan to redevelop Bankstown Hospital was announced by the Berejiklian government. (Supplied: NSW government)<\/p>\n
The hospital project was first announced by the Berejiklian government in 2019, however the site was not finalised until this year.<\/p>\n
The Minns government committed a further $700 million towards the hospital in the June budget and has allocated $100 million to relocate the TAFE, which currently occupies the site.<\/p>\n
The premier said the hospital represented the largest single public works investment in the health portfolio.<\/p>\n
“We know that health services in Western Sydney have not kept up with the population, whether it’s in Mount Druitt, Blacktown, Rouse Hill or \u2026 here in Bankstown,” Mr Minns said.<\/p>\n
“We want to get a hell of a lot better, [but] that can only happen with investment and time.”<\/p>\n
Health Minister Ryan Park said the new hospital would be a “jewel in the crown”, with construction due to begin next year.<\/p>\n
“This hospital will see an expansion of the emergency department,” Mr Park said.<\/p>\n
“And it will see an expansion of operating theatres, of clinical spaces, a mental health facility, a new area \u2026 for mums and bubs and birthing services,” he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ryan Park says the hospital will see an expansion of the emergency department. (ABC News: Nandini Dhir)<\/p>\n
A system under strain<\/p>\n