THE MAN promising to rebuild NSW will pick up a shovel at Dubbo Base Hospital tomorrow afternoon.
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State Premier Barry O'Farrell will turn the first sod on the $79.8 million stage one and two redevelopment of the facility that is the "future in health care for Western NSW", home to more than 200,000 people.
By his side will be NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Dubbo MP Troy Grant, who yesterday declared the Premier's visit "demonstrated commitment to delivering improved infrastructure and services to regional communities".
The long-awaited sod-turning ceremony heralds new beginnings for the hospital that almost ground to a halt in 2008 when the now-defunct Greater Western Area Health Service owed $60 million to suppliers.
Four years later, the state government elected in March 2011 has stumped up $72.7 million and the federal government $7.1 million to give the hospital a significant kick-start to a brighter future.
Preliminary works - demolition of old buildings, clearing of the site and extension of the public car park - are set to get underway this month, according to Health Infrastructure that is close to letting a tender for it.
Main works, including the construction of two new buildings, depends on the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure which is reviewing the development application for the state-significant project and seeking public comment via its website.
Health Infrastructure project director for the hospital redevelopment Bruno Zinghini anticipates building will begin in the second quarter of 2013 with all work completed by the end of the following year.
Stage one and two redevelopments focus on providing the facilities to meet growing demand for maternity, surgical and renal dialysis services.
Acting general manager of Dubbo Base Hospital Debbie Bickerton has expressed confidence in the new-look hospital being able to better meet the needs of the region.
"We are not just building a hospital to serve Dubbo and the surrounding communities for today," she said.
"We are building the future in health care for Western NSW."
Head of surgery at the hospital Dr Mark Rice has welcomed the plan for more operating theatres, along with extra surgical beds and state-of-the-art equipment, as a boon for patients and the hospital's ability to secure professional services.
"It has been a long time coming but now we're seeing progress and that's something which instils confidence in the future," he said.
kim.bartley@ruralpress.com