The upcoming ACT Budget will provide an additional $231.2 million over four years for public hospital and community-based health services and workforce initiatives, the ACT Government has announced.
The funding includes $23.4 million to operate the new Acute Palliative Care Unit at Canberra Hospital. Its construction is expected to be complete in December. The unit will initially have eight beds, with the capacity to expand it to 12.
North Canberra Hospital will receive $3.9 million for screening, treatment and support services for people at higher risk of breast cancer.
The budget also includes $8.2 million to expand the Canberra Hospital Paediatric Fracture Clinic and establish a dedicated paediatric orthopaedic service; $12.1 million to increase lung cancer specialist services, including the rapid access lung cancer clinic, and to support the National Lung Cancer Screening Program; and $14.1 million to continue Junior Medical Officer wellbeing and workforce initiatives, including pastoral care, wellbeing and career development.
$169.5 million will go towards meeting growing demand for, and the rising cost of, public hospital services.
Treasurer Chris Steel MLA said: “This budget responds to the needs in our health system by investing in better health services for Canberrans. Expanding critical and specialist services means the health system can meet the needs of our growing community. We’re also investing in the wellbeing of our health workforce so that they can continue to provide the best care possible.”
Health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA said the budget improves access to health care and supports better experiences for patients and staff.
“We are delivering more services, expanding specialist care and investing in early detection, which will lead to better health outcomes. At the same time, we’re continuing to support our workforce through targeted wellbeing initiatives and career development, building on what we know is working to ensure Canberra Health Services remains a great place to work.”
