Health Minister visits Northern Rivers
FEDERAL Health Minister Tanya Plibersek is touring the Northern Rivers with Page MP Janelle Saffin today.
Ms Saffin said the Minister would tour the Lismore Base, St Vincent's Private, and Casino hospitals.
Ms Plibersek was not expected to make any funding announcements.
"I am pleased to be able to show Tanya the results and progress of significant commitments from the Government, which I have lobbied for as part of my priority to health services locally," Ms Saffin said.
"While in the electorate I will take the opportunity to also take the Minister to see MRI/PET scanner facilities at Lismore Base Hospital funded under the National Partnership Agreement on Improving Public Hospital Services.
"At St Vincents Private Hospital we will inspect the completed health education facilities and plans for 2 additional operating theatres at St Vincents Private Hospital, funded in part with Federal Government contributions to the tune of over $3 million.
"We will then head over to Casino to inspect facilities at Casino and District Hospital and discuss matters relating to Coraki and Bonalbo Hospitals."
While in Casino the Minister and Ms Saffin would inspect a fully automated pharmacy dispensing system installed in McDonalds Pharmacy by it's proprietor John Black which will help them to better deliver pharmacy services under the Community Pharmacy Agreement with the Commonwealth.
Ms Saffin said attracting Federal Government investment to local health services remained one of her core priorities.
"I will continue to lobby hard on behalf of the people of Page to get critical health services funded and delivered," she said.
"It's on occasions such as these that we can see the results of all the hard work,
"It's all about getting things done."
