By 2036 there will be almost 60,000 children in Campbelltown aged 14 and under.
Councillor Paul Lake believes those numbers alone justify the establishment of a paediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as part of Campbelltown Hospital’s $640 million expansion.
While currently around 100 local children under 14 need to be transferred to a paediatric ICU in Randwick or Westmead every year, Cr Lake says Campbelltown Council’s own forecasts show a huge increase over the next 20 years.
By 2036 Campbelltown’s population will be nudging 300,000, with more than 500,000 to call Macarthur home.
“The need is here now, because even 100 kids needing to be sent to ICUs in Westmead or Randwick is a massive burden for local parents,’’ says Cr Lake.
“It means a parent with three young children may have to try to look after one in Randwick, one at school and one still at home.
“As a growing city and a regional hub, we should be able to provide this vital service right here in Campbelltown,’’ he said.
At tomorrow night’s council meeting Cr Lake will formally launch a bid to have an ICU established here.
He has tabled the following notice of motion:
- That Council contributes $5 million out of its City Deals Funding to establish, along with running costs, for 5 Paediatric Intensive Care Units for Campbelltown Public Hospital as soon as possible.
- That the Council/Mayor approach the Premier and State Opposition Leader to guarantee the ongoing funding of these 5 units for the Macarthur area if either one wins the State Election in March.
- That the Council/Mayor obtain written support for this initiative and ongoing funding support from all current State and Federal Members within the Macarthur Region.
Cr Lake says he has no doubts local residents would strongly support his children’s ICU plan.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Having one here would obviously lessen the stress on families when a child is transferred to an ICU out of the area,’’ he said.[/social_quote]
“Families in such situations would be doing it tough, having a child in a hospital so far away from home.’’
Cr Lake says he hopes the other councillors can get behind the idea tomorrow night.
“You’ve got to remember this is taxpayers money I am suggesting we use to kick start an ICU, not ratepayers’ money.
“I have spoken to some councillors who support me on this issue, and I hope other councillors see the benefit for the whole region and do the right by the community.
“After all that’s what we get elected for, to do the right thing by the community.’’
