The Rudd Government is committed to ensuring families in rural, regional and remote Australia get the health services they need.

In the Budget, the Government delivered Janelle Saffin’s health commitments to Page:

$18 million for the upgrade of Grafton Base Hospital, and $15 million to fast track the Radiotherapy based University Department of Rural Health unit at Lismore Base Hospital.

The plans for the Grafton Emergency Department are progressing and it should be finished in tandem with the three new operating theatres by the end of 2010.

Janelle is personally following progress at Lismore Base, where tenders have been let, and construction is on track for the Integrated Cancer Care Unit.

The Government has also created an extra 45 Commonwealth-supported nursing places at Southern Cross University's Lismore Campus for 2009. Nine new nurses were also employed Grafton Base Hospital under a State initiative.

Other rural health initiatives include:

• $148 million for 175 extra GP training places 
• Secured ongoing funding for the Lismore based University Department of Rural Health.
• Opened the office of Rural Health in Canberra
• $4.6 million to double the number of John Flynn Scholarships for undergraduate medical students to undertake placements in rural and remote medical practices.
• $7.9 million to support and expand the Obstetrician Locum Scheme.
• $35 million for additional education places, scholarships and clinical training for mental health nurses and psychologists.