South Australian regional hospitals and health centres will get a boost in the federal budget.
Treasurer Wayne Swan has announced $82 million in new health investments, including major redevelopments of the Mt Gambier and Port Lincoln Hospitals, in the lead up to 2011/12 budget to be handed down on Tuesday.
He said the spending measure would greatly improve access to quality health care in regional and remote SA and stimulate the local economy.
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"Finding room in this very responsible budget for expanded health services has been difficult, but shows what a high priority it is for the Gillard government," he said in a statement.
The federal government will invest $39 million in redeveloping Port Lincoln Hospital to offer improved hospital services and new services such as a public dental clinic.
There is also $30 million to redevelop the Mt Gambier hospital and ambulance station.
The improved hospital will offer expanded acute care services including cancer and intermediate care beds, mental health services, palliative care, general medicine and rehabilitation/geriatric services.
In addition, $13 million will be invested in four other projects for regional SA: improved oral and dental heath care facilities for Wallaroo and Riverland, new primary health care facilities for the APY lands, and a new medical clinic for Naracoorte.
