The hospital’s old theatres and current renal unit are making way for the long-awaited facility. Surgery is now performed in the state-of-the-art Talbragar Building, built under the $91.3 million stage one and two redevelopment of the hospital.

On Friday Health Infrastructure (HI) confirmed that a new renal unit would be built above the day surgery unit in the Talbragar Building. “Detail design is under way for the new renal unit above the existing day surgery unit and the tender is expected to be awarded in the coming months,” its spokeswoman said.

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The federal government is stumping up $25 million for the integrated cancer centre and the state government $10 million. “No construction time frames are available for the Western Cancer Centre Dubbo at this stage of the project, but it will be built in parallel with stage four of the Dubbo Hospital redevelopment,” the spokeswoman said. “The cancer centre is currently in the detail design phase and community consultation will continue for several more weeks.”

The $150 million for stage three and four redevelopment has already paid for another floor on the Talbragar Building where a surgical unit is in operation. Its predecessor, known as S Block, is currently being demolished as it stands in the footprint of another three-storey building.

“The new three-storey building will be built in stages starting from the western side of the campus with medical imaging on the ground floor and ending with the completion of the main entry and Emergency Department,” the spokeswoman said. “This construction approach is to ensure the hospital can continue to deliver quality health services throughout stage four construction with minimal disruptions.”

Hansen Yuncken is establishing a “builder’s compound” in the south-eastern corner of the hospital campus as the installation of in-ground services such as water, gas and electricity for the new clinical tower steams ahead. The HI spokeswoman said the new building’s “first concrete pour is expected in the coming months”.

The old Playmates Cottage and nearby accommodation for medical staff were demolished in May to make way for the construction of a new car park with more than 100 spaces.  Stage four redevelopment is on track for completion in 2021.