PORTLAND hospital was rushed into signing a $4.9 million funding agreement for its new GP super clinic so the Rudd government could avoid political embarrassment, a leaked email has revealed.

Hospital management was told to sign the agreement by noon on Wednesday - just moments before shadow treasurer Joe Hockey delivered his post-budget reply to the National Press Club.

Portland District Health chief executive John O'Neill warned his board members of the urgency of the government's request in an email that morning: "I have been asked to sign this agreement before 12 noon today - that is, before Joe Hockey makes his budget reply … If not signed, funding will be withdrawn."

He also forwarded a copy of an email received earlier that morning from the Department of Health and Ageing asking for the agreement to be signed "by lunch time today".

"Your assistance in expediting this agreement is greatly appreciated," wrote assistant director of GP super clinics Kerrie Purcell.