Health services in the North Shore and Northern Beaches region will be better off after the O’Farrell Government's successful negotiations with the Commonwealth as part of the Federal Health Agreement, Member for Davidson Jonathan O'Dea said today.
The Federal Government has led the way in negotiating an historic deal giving states and territories equal per capita share of an extra $9.5 billion over six years.
Mr O'Dea, who was a non-executive director of a major health fund for 14 years, said it was extremely positive that local hospitals and health services will benefit from the historic deal.
"This is good news for not only hospitals and health services in the Davidson electorate but very good news for New South Wales overall,” Mr O'Dea said.
“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.
"I congratulate the Premier, Barry O’Farrell and the Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, for their efforts in securing a great deal for NSW.
"As well as achieving a record amount, the O’Farrell Government has negotiated to allow greater flexibility in 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 see funds specifically allocated to our region, including for the new Northern Beaches Hospital at Frenchs Forest, construction of which will commence in our first term of government," Mr O'Dea concluded.
