Jo Haylen, Member for Summer Hill, welcomed today’s announcement that a Foley Labor Government will fund $9 million towards an upgrade of Canterbury Hospital’s emergency department, including expanding maternity ward services.

Labor’s commitment will allow for desperately needed upgrades to expand the hospital’s emergency department and to plan for the eventual expansion of the maternity ward including additional obstetric beds and delivery beds.

Currently, there are more than 1000 patients waiting for elective surgery at Canterbury Hospital – as of the end of June.

The funding promise would be delivered in Labor’s first term of government.

Labor’s upgrade will be the first major refurbishment and expansion of the hospital since former Labor Premier Bob Carr opened the revamped hospital in November 1998 after an $80 million investment.

Quotes attributable to Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen MP

“Every mum and dad in the inner west knows that baby clinics are bursting at the seams.

“This funding commitment plans for the future and ensures that inner west residents receive quality healthcare and services from the moment they’re born.

“Labor has always been committed to delivering high quality public health care and services and I am pleased that we are continuing this tradition within the Inner West.”