Health Minister Jillian Skinner has joined Member for Dubbo and Deputy Premier Troy Grant to announce a $150 million commitment to the next stage of the major redevelopment of Dubbo Hospital.
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Mrs Skinner, who made the announcement at Dubbo Hospital alongside Mr Grant, said the next major piece of the facility’s upgrade will be funded and delivered if the NSW Liberals and Nationals are re-elected.
“The next stages of Dubbo Hospital’s much-needed redevelopment will mean the realisation of a dream for clinicians and the local community,” Mrs Skinner said.
“Once completed the Stage Three and Four Dubbo Hospital upgrade will deliver a new emergency department, imaging facilities, ambulatory care centre and cardiac catheterisation lab in a new three storey building, as well as a new medical impatient ward which completes the northern wing of the Stage One and Two Clinical Services Building.
“Upgrades to oncology, cardiovascular and stroke units will also form part of the next stage to allow the intensive care unit to expand and meet the growing demand.
“A new front of house entry and drop off zone and additional car parking will also form part of this major redevelopment.
“Dubbo Hospital delivers kind, compassionate and quality care to local patients but it has long been in need of a major upgrade. The $91.3 million Stage One and Two redevelopment is already underway, due for completion in late 2015.”
Mrs Skinner said the NSW Liberals and Nationals have a clear record in delivering enhanced health services and major hospital redevelopments in rural and regional NSW.
“In our first term we have delivered health upgrades from Bega to Byron Bay, Parkes to Port Macquarie, Tamworth to Lismore and Wollongong to Wagga Wagga - hospital redevelopments are underway right across rural and regional NSW,” Mrs Skinner said.
“During its 16 years of government, Labor sat on its hands while Dubbo outgrew its hospital. It promised upgrades and never delivered. In stark contrast, the NSW Liberals & Nationals are getting on with the job of modernising the facility for the benefit of patients and staff.”
Mr Grant said the announcement marks a record investment in health services across the region and will be a dream come true for clinical staff and the community.
“Four years ago, Minister Skinner and I stood here and promised to deliver Stage One if the NSW Liberals and Nationals were elected,” Mr Grant said.
“We stand here today, not only delivering Stages One and Two but now committing a further $150 million for Stages Three and Four.
“With proven record of delivery my community can be assured this upgrade will continue under a returned Liberals and Nationals Government.
“Make no mistake – this project is a game changer. The investment the NSW Liberals & Nationals are making to secure the health of Dubbo is unprecedented,” Mr Grant said.
Mrs Skinner and Mr Grant also visited Narromine Hospital today to meet with doctors, nurses and hospital staff.
“Narromine Hospital is a vital part of the community offering important, quality services to the local community,” Mr Grant said.
“Today was a great opportunity to visit the staff and say thank you for their continuous work in supporting this amazing community.”
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1pm: Health Minister Jillian Skinner has announced a $150 million commitment for the next stages of the major upgrade to Dubbo Hospital.
Once completed, the Stage 3 and 4 Dubbo Hospital upgrade will deliver a new emergency department, imaging facilities, ambulatory care centre and cardiac catheterisation lab in a new three-storey building, as well as a new medical inpatient ward.
More details to come.