During a tour of Flinders Hospital neo-natal unit today Shadow Minister for Health Catherine King and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health Amanda Rishworth saw firsthand the important work the unit does in caring for newborns.
“The Flinders Hospital neo-natal unit is only one of two facilities in South Australia, and provides critical support and care. That is why when in government Labor guaranteed $15 million in funding to deliver this neo-natal unit,” said Shadow Minister for Health, Catherine King.
“Labor believes in building health infrastructure so that all Australians can get access to the healthcare they deserve. The neonatal unit at Flinders has been running at over 100 per cent capacity that forced the hospital to run overflow nurseries.”
As one of his first acts in government Tony Abbott cut $15 million in funding for the redevelopment of the unit.
The neonatal unit will now be delivered thanks to the South Australian Labor government.
“This is just another broken promise from Tony Abbott and a clear example of this government’s twisted budget priorities.”
“I am deeply concerned about the pressure Tony Abbott’s GP Tax will put on this hospital. Bulk billing rates in southern Adelaide are at over 80 per cent. These families shouldn’t be taxed out of the health system by Tony Abbott,” Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health Amanda Rishworth said.
Before the election Tony Abbott promised he would not cut health funding. Whereas he has already cut $260 million in vital health infrastructure and workforce funding and more than $560 million from public hospitals across Australia.