Key independent MP Tony Windsor wins 'priority' hospital treatment

INDEPENDENT Tony Windsor has reaped a $120 million dividend from his support for Labor, with a major redevelopment of his NSW electorate's biggest hospital.  

INDEPENDENT Tony Windsor has reaped a $120 million dividend from his decision to hand power to Labor, with the announcement of a major redevelopment of his NSW electorate's biggest hospital.

The Tamworth Hospital redevelopment, announced today, will be funded from a special regional "priority" health fund set aside under Julia Gillard's minority government agreement with Mr Windsor and fellow independent Rob Oakeshott.

Despite warnings of a tough budget ahead, Treasurer Wayne Swan said there was still room for extra health spending.

“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,” Mr Swan said.

Under the minority government deal, $1.8 billion of the Health and Hospital Fund was set aside for regional projects.

The Port Macquarie Hospital, in Mr Oakeshott's electorate, has also received $75 million from the fund.

Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie's local Hobart Hospital has received $240 million.

The support of all three independents is crucial to the Gillard government as it tries to negotiate its carbon tax through the parliament.

Mr Windsor is yet to reveal whether he will support the tax - a make-or-break issue for the government.

The NSW government will also contribute $100 million to the $220 million hospital overhaul.

At the funding announcement today with Health Minister Nicola Roxon, Mr Windsor referred to his personal role in securing investment.

“I have been pleased to have been part of the process to ringfence the federal Health and Hospital Fund for country health services from which the federal component of the funding will flow,” Mr Windsor said.

Ms Roxon said the Tamworth Hospital project would provide more beds and operating rooms and improve the hospital's links with regional health services.

“The redevelopment also recognises the growing need for services for diabetes, cancer and dental patients,” Ms Roxon said.

“There will be seven new renal dialysis chairs, six new chemotherapy chairs and the number of dental chairs will be doubled, to eight.”