Nats MLC pledges hospital funds

The Nationals will commit $50 million to a proposed upgrade to the Geraldton Hospital, according to Agricultural Region MLC Paul Brown.

Last month Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley visited Geraldton Hospital and met with staff and local health professionals.

Ms Ley praised the work of the staff, as well as Federally-funded developments at the hospital, but said the Federal Government would not provide any funding for future infrastructure projects at the site.

Mr Brown said the expansion of the hospital had been identified by the Mid West Development Commission’s regional blueprint as one of the highest priority projects for growth and sustainability of Geraldton and the Mid West region.

“I am alarmed the minister hasn’t recognised the Geraldton Hospital has a massive catchment area from Carnarvon to Jurien Bay out to Meekatharra, Cue and Wiluna and there is a real need, not just for Geraldton but all of those areas, to make sure the redevelopment and expansion of this hospital goes ahead,” he said.

During the 2013 election campaign, then leader of Nationals WA Brendon Grylls committed to fund the hospital expansion dollar for dollar through Royalties for Regions if the Federal Government did the same.

Despite Ms Ley’s comments, Mr Brown said the Nationals would still front the money.

“There is a definite commitment from the Nationals and Royalties for Regions for $50 million,” he said.

“I certainly have a commitment for the Royalties for Regions to be a substantial part of that. I’m also talking to other private organisations that want to come to Geraldton and be part of that expansion.

“But if I have to get more money or go and make the case for more funding, then that’s exactly what I’ll do.”

The plans to upgrade the hospital would include adding 34 beds, 14 of which would make up an acute psychiatric unit.