The Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital would receive a $35 million funding boost for a dedicated mental health unit and expanded outpatient services under a Labor government, the party says.
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"A year ago, Shadow Health Minister Catherine King and Labor Candidate for Gilmore Fiona Phillips hosted a crisis meeting with hospital clinicians and staff," a spokesperson said.
"These front-line experts made clear that the lack of investment in Shoalhaven Hospital is undermining their ability to provide safe and effective care.
"Labor wrote to the NSW Health Minister about this crisis and welcomed the bipartisan commitment to redevelop the Hospital ahead of the NSW election.
"But the Liberals are yet to deliver this funding, or to detail the facilities and services that will be included."
The spokesperson said despite mental illness being a growing problem, bed shortages at the hospital often force people with severe mental health conditions to travel to Shellharbour or Wollongong for care.
"Labor's commitment will build a standalone Mental Health Unit that includes acute, sub-acute and outreach services," the spokesperson said.
"Labor will (also) build a stand-alone Ambulatory Care Centre that combines specialist consultation and treatment rooms, pre and post-discharge clinics, rehabilitation facilities, community allied health, and other ambulatory services, to decrease outpatient waiting times and reduce pressure on other parts of the hospital."
Labor Candidate for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips welcomed the announcements.
