STATE GOVERNMENT’S ELECTION PROMISE TO JOHN HUNTER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

In a visit to Newcastle this morning, New South Wales Premier Mike Baird has announced if re-elected, a Liberal government will invest $18 million to continue the major upgrade of the John Hunter Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.

The $18 million investment for stages two and three of the project will be allocated from the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund.

Health Minister Mrs Skinner says the $7 million stage one upgrade is anticipated to begin in the coming months, with stages two and three to follow if the Baird Government is re-elected on March 28.

The upgrade will increase the unit’s capacity from 42 to 53 special care and neonatal intensive care cots and develop clinical support areas, isolation rooms for babies with infections, dedicated palliative care facilities, family support areas, including parent accommodation, and boost staff space and amenities.