Premier promises $900m upgrade for Westmead Hospital

NSW Premier Mike Baird has pledged almost $1 billion to redevelop the Children’s Hospital and Westmead Hospital in Sydney.

The pre-election promise was part of Mr Baird’s commitment to spend more than $5 billion improving the state’s health system.

The premier has also pledged the investment will not depend on the controversial sell-off of the NSW electricity network.

“This is not contingent on the lease of poles and wires, but there are other very important hospitals that are including a new hospital at the areas of growth, including Rouse Hill and down Campbelltown way for pediatrics,” Health Minister Jillian Skinner said.

However, the Labor opposition has claimed it is a promise that cannot be fulfilled.

Mr Baird pledged $750 million for a new emergency department and up to 14 operating theatres at Westmead, $72m for a new car park, and $95 million for the Westmead Children’s Hospital’s emergency and operating areas.