The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has applauded a $1.1 billion health package aimed at modernising suburban hospitals announced in the South Australian budget.
In handing down last night’s budget, Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis promised $528 million would be spent on a new Adelaide Women’s Hospital within the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, which is due to be opened in September.
The women’s hospital will ensure mothers and their newborns have access to the most modern equipment.
In addition, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital will receive a $250 million makeover, with a new building to house its emergency department, outpatients area, operating theatres and rehabilitation facilities.
A total of $71.9 million will be spent to upgrade infrastructure and services at the Lyell McEwin, Flinders, Modbury and Mount Barker hospitals.
ACN Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, said upgrades to hospitals would in turn provide better health care for South Australians.
“Australians, no matter what state or territory they reside, deserve the best health care from qualified and dedicated health professionals,” Adjunct Professor Ward said.
“Receiving that care in state of the art hospitals and health facilities is imperative to ensure that Australia maintains its reputation as a world leader in the provision of health care.
“I applaud any decision that involves investing in our hospitals or health services and am particularly pleased that women’s health is being directly recognised by the budget promise.”