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WITHIN six weeks the main works for stage one and two redevelopment of Dubbo Hospital will be under way.
Broad Construction Services has been awarded the main works contract and the state government has boosted the redevelopment budget from $79.8 million to $91 million.
The major component of the main works is a new building from where maternity and surgical services will be delivered to the region.
Early works, starting in late 2012, have included the demolition of old buildings and the clearing of a site at the eastern side of the hospital campus for the state-of-the-art “acute services” facility.
It is expected to be completed late next year, with associated refurbishment projects within the existing hospital to follow.
They include improvements to its renal dialysis unit and main entrance.
NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner and State Member for Dubbo Troy Grant yesterday provided the details of the “major milestone” of stage one and two redevelopment.
They said the increase in the budget to $91 million would allow “100 per cent of the promised scope for the project to be delivered for the benefit of the Dubbo region”.
The new estimated total cost reflected the voluntary administration of initial early works contractor, National Buildplan Group, andhigher than expected main works prices received from the market.
The federal government is contributing $7.1 million and the state government $84 million to stage one and two redevelopment.
Before surveying the building site at Dubbo Hospital yesterday, Mr Grant told of a contractual arrangement requiring the main works to begin within six weeks but “hopefully beforehand”.
Yesterday’s announcement follows the state government’s commitment of $600,000 towards the planning of the next stage of the hospital’s redevelopment.
Mr Grant said he was “incredibly proud” of the state government’s commitments to improving health services for the people of Dubbo and the region.
“Whether it is the new mental health unit, the hospital redevelopment or planning money for the next stage of the rebuild, this government is investing in the future health of this region,” he said.
“This is about more than just bricks and mortar. The redevelopment of Dubbo Hospital will change the way health care is delivered to our community.”
Mrs Skinner said the NSW government was committed to rebuilding the state’s health system and the $91 million redevelopment of Dubbo Hospital was a project “particularly close to my heart”.
“In our first term of government we are investing almost $5 billion in hospital rebuilds and I join the community in their excitement to see this important upgrade growing from the ground,” she said.
Early works for stage one and two redevelopment have included the extension and reconstruction of the public car park, demolition of old buildings including the boiler house and chimney, and installation of essential electrical, hydraulic, telecommunications and storm water services in preparation for the main works.
The new building will include new operating theatres, day-only and extended day-only ward for surgical services, inpatient ward and birthing suite for maternity services, special care nursery and central sterilisation department.