A re-elected ACT Labor Government will create new jobs and improve care for older Canberrans through major investments at Calvary Public Hospital in Belconnen.
Our plan is to provide better healthcare, where and when Canberrans need it.
This commitment is in addition to a number of improvements the ACT Labor Government has made to Calvary Hospital in the last four years, including the expanded Emergency Department.
ACT Labor Health Spokesperson Rachel Stephen-Smith said that the aged care crisis in Victoria has highlighted the need for all Governments to have strategies and infrastructure in place to support older Australians.
“While the ACT government has no direct oversight over aged care, we can do more to ensure our public health facilities are better prepared for older Canberrans when they need support from our health system,” Rachel Stephen-Smith said.
“Calvary is a nation leader in developing innovative responses to the needs of older people, including acute care evaluation and palliative care needs rounds in aged care facilities.
“Building on Calvary’s expertise, a re-elected Labor Government will establish a Centre for Excellence in Caring for Older People at Calvary Hospital, expanding the inpatient capacity in addition to the outreach programs.
“Labor will also fund the full refurbishment of a new $13.6 million innovative acute medical ward for older Canberrans at Calvary.
“A re-elected Labor Government will also partner with Palliative Care ACT to establish a respite hub for people with life-limiting illness who wish to die at home, supporting families and carers to meet the needs of their loves.
“For those people who are approaching the end of their lives in Canberra Hospital, Labor will establish a dedicated palliative care ward to provide dignity and comfort for patients.”
We want to keep working every day to protect the health and livelihoods of our community.
In these uncertain times, ACT Labor has the right plan to support Canberra and protect local jobs.