The NSW Government has announced a $38 million healthcare package for Western Sydney hospitals, including 18 additional beds at Westmead and increased...
The City Desk is a contributing writer covering city and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
The NSW Government has announced a $38 million healthcare package for Western Sydney hospitals, including 18 additional beds at Westmead Hospital and increased allied health services to relieve pressure at one of the country's busiest health networks.
The funding is part of a record $10.3 billion investment in the 2026-27 NSW Budget, the largest increase to the health budget in the state's history. Health Minister Ryan Park said the package addresses years of underinvestment in Western Sydney's health services.
Initiatives under the package include 18 additional beds in specialty areas at Westmead Hospital, boosting medical capacity in high-demand areas including respiratory, cardiology, and the ED Short-Stay Unit. The funding also supports increased allied health services across Western Sydney hospitals, with recruitment of additional staff to support long-stay patients in their recovery.
"For years Western Sydney communities have waited for upgrades and improvements to their health services," Park said. "This funding boost is part of a record $10.3 billion investment in the recent 2026-27 NSW Budget."
The package builds on previous commitments including $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital, $630 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, $400 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment, and $120 million for additional beds at Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals.
A new BHI quarterly report released this week revealed that across NSW, 85.6 per cent of elective surgeries were performed on time in the April to June 2026 reporting period. Liverpool Hospital showed significant improvement, with 77.5 per cent of patients starting treatment on time, a 7.8 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
The Westmead Centre for Mental Health has also reached a major milestone, with construction reaching its highest point. The facility will be a significant addition to Western Sydney's mental health infrastructure.
The government's health spending surge comes as Western Sydney continues to face significant pressure on its hospital services, with the region's population projected to grow to 1.47 million by 2031.
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