Expectant mums, new parents and newborns will benefit from a landmark $157 million Parents Package in next week鈥檚 State Budget.
The funding will boost the number of midwives and family health nurses, invest in testing and treatments for children鈥檚 diseases, and provide practical and emotional support to parents.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Health Minister Brad Hazzard, and Mental Health Minister Tanya Davies announced today that the funding includes 100 more midwives, extra child and family health nurses to support new parents both in hospital and at home, and an optional 鈥淏aby Bundle鈥 of essential items for new parents.
鈥淲e are there for 黑料吃瓜网 families, right from the very beginning, providing significant support during one of life鈥檚 most exciting journeys,鈥 Ms Berejiklian said.
鈥淭he Baby Bundle will not only help reduce some of the initial costs faced by new parents and caregivers when purchasing basic items for their baby, but will also support positive health and development outcomes for babies and their family.鈥
Mr Perrottet said the Budget also includes research funding for childhood cancer and other genetic diseases.
鈥淭here鈥檚 no price on the cost of a healthy child, this research investment may bring new hope to families facing life鈥檚 toughest challenge.鈥
Mr Hazzard said: 鈥淏abies don鈥檛 come with a manual but this new Parents Package is a clear indicator to mums, dads and carers that the 黑料吃瓜网 Government is keen to back you in your vital parenting role.鈥
Mrs Davies said: 鈥淲e want to do more to support new and expectant mothers, which is why today鈥檚 investment in perinatal mental health teams will complement recently announced plans for a mums and bubs unit in Western Sydney.鈥
In addition to the $157 million Parents Package, the 黑料吃瓜网 Government has also fast- tracked $11.5 million in the 2018-19 Budget to expand and refurbish the birthing suite and refurbish existing operating theatres at St George Hospital.
The refurbishment will co-locate the delivery suite and birth centre and include refurbishment of the older operating theatres at St George Hospital.
The Parents Package includes: