Mr Jones said NSW was set to lose $17.7 billion in hospital funding over the next decade under the cuts announced in this year’s budget which was bad news for hospitals throughout the region, and the state.

‘’The government is making cuts to Medicare at the same time it’s making cuts to the hospital system, and the rivets are starting to give,’’ he said.

‘’Especially in a growing area like Shellharbour, where nurses and medical professionals are telling me that they already don’t feel they have the resources to do their job effectively.

‘’The (Liberal party) has promised an investment in capital works at Shellharbour which I’d welcome, but it is ongoing operating funds that are desperately needed.’’

Mr Jones joined state Shellharbour MP Anna Watson outside the hospital on Monday morning to highlight looming funding cuts.

‘’Shellharbour Hospital currently has 165 beds,’’ Ms Watson said. ‘’The $14.5 million in cuts which Shellharbour Hospital will cop every year for the next decade will mean less beds, less elective surgery, less doctors and more pressure on the emergency department.’’

However Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward slammed the Illawarra Labor politicians for misleading the public.

‘’Not only has there been no cut to Shellharbour Hospital’s budget, it’s increased,’’ Mr Ward said. ‘’The 2015-16 Shellharbour Hospital initial expenses budget has grown to $60.3 million.

‘’Not only is this a lie, but Labor refused to match our commitment of $251 million to upgrade hospital facilities in Shellharbour.’’