1.4 Health

Health infrastructure

The NSW Government will invest $12.4 billion to build and upgrade health infrastructure over the next four years, with $3.3 billion in 2025-26.

New capital investment in health includes:

• $700.0 million in additional funding for the New Bankstown Hospital, bringing total investment to $2.0 billion
• $492.0 million to develop a Statewide Pathology Hub on the Westmead campus
• $210.0 million (including $120.0 million committed by the Australian Government) to provide the full range of maternity and birthing services at the new Rouse Hill Hospital – bringing the total project to $910.0 million.

Essential Health Services

The Essential Health Services package invests $836.4 million in 2025-26 to support core health services and reduce overdue surgeries. It also funds the opening of new and upgraded hospitals including the Sydney Children’s Hospitals at Randwick and Westmead, Gunnedah Hospital and the Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.

Health innovation

An additional $9.5 million will create an internal health locum agency to improve workforce coordination and retention. We are relieving pressure on emergency departments by creating more pathways to care. Virtual care is allowing people to be treated quickly and wherever they are.

Maternity services

This Budget expands maternity services:

• $83.8 million for a Maternity Care and First 2,000 Days package to grow and upskill the maternity workforce, and increase continuity of midwifery care and parenting support in regional areas
• $21.9 million for the Aboriginal Families First 2,000 Days package to provide culturally responsive care during pregnancy and the first five years of life.

Regional healthcare

This Budget invests in a stronger regional healthcare system:

• $158.8 million to continue delivering three new regional helicopter bases
• $37.5 million to expand the mobile dental van program and other dental services.

Mental health

This Budget increases investment in mental health services in New South Wales with:

• $23.1 million to expand community-led suicide prevention and wellbeing support programs for First Nations people
• $15.4 million in 2025-26 to boost the community mental health workforce and enhance mental health support for young people and regional communities.

$669.8 million will continue delivering infrastructure required to progress key mental health reforms for improved mental health care. This includes child and adolescent and older persons services, forensic services, and facilities to promote recovery and enhance opportunities for people to transition to or receive care within the community.

A $344.0 million package will better support injured workers, including to restore the independence of SafeWork NSW, ensuring it is resourced to protect workers from harm, including psychosocial hazards.