Scott Morrison pledges $65m for adult cystic fibrosis unit in Sydney

Scott Morrison will today pledge $65 million to establish Australia’s first adult cystic fibrosis unit at Sydney’s Westmead hospital if the Coalition is re-elected.

Exclusive: Scott Morrison will today pledge $65 million to establish Australia’s first adult cystic fibrosis unit at Sydney’s Westmead hospital if the Coalition is re-elected.

The 16-bed unit will treat young adults who are living longer with the chronic disease and will also have dedicated research facilities in a bid to find a cure to the sadly common life-limiting genetic condition.

Every four days one Australian baby is born with the disease.

The prime minister will today accept Bill Shorten’s challenge to make healthcare a key election battleground and will back it in with a further $100 million commitment for clinical trials in regional areas to make sure where you live doesn’t stop you from having access to cutting edge medical treatment.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison, wife Jenny and Father Louis Ferkh leave after Good Friday Easter services at St Charbel's Catholic Maronite Church at Punchbowl in Sydney. Picture: AAP

Mr Morrison told News Corp Australia that the Coalition’s strong economic management means a government he leads could be relied on to invest in healthcare to tackle conditions like cystic fibrosis.

“From the search for a cure, to the treatment and drugs that help fight cystic fibrosis my government is there every step of the way for Australians dealing with this sinister condition,” he said.

“By establishing this new unit we will be able to give crucial support to patients with Cystic Fibrosis and importantly research, which may one day find a cure.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said that the new unit followed the Coalition government’s decision to list of two new medications for cystic fibrosis on the PBS making life changing treatment affordable for many patients.

“Cystic fibrosis can be devastating for patients and their families. This new specialist unit will support patients, ensuring they have the best care possible,” he said.

Bill Shorten and his wife Chloe offer hot cross buns to journalists during a visit to the Salvation Army’s Lighthouse Cafe in Melbourne. Picture: AAP

The specialist unit will provide treatment with state-of-the-art equipment, research and diagnostic facilities as a key part of the Westmead Health and Education Precinct in Sydney.

The funding will pay for doctors, new consultation rooms and work spaces for clinical staff as well as an upgraded outpatient service including day stay rooms for procedures and outpatient physiotherapy and respiratory testing.

Mr Morrison said the $100 million for new clinical trials would built on the government’s $550 million Stronger Rural Health Strategy which was the most comprehensive country health package in decades.

“Rural patients with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses often have it twice as hard, spending much of their life on the road to get the treatment they need and deserve,” he said.

“This funding brings the trials to them but it also means more time can be spent at home with loved ones.

“Our budget management and our plan for a stronger economy mean we can guarantee the essential services like these which Australians rely on.”

Originally published as Scott Morrison pledges $65m for adult cystic fibrosis unit in Sydney