Patients travelling to Dubbo for renal dialysis would face fewer delays once the new unit is completed, nurse manager Gail O'Brien says.
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Monday saw the first screws removed from the roof above the extended day surgery unit, where the expanded dialysis unit is expected to be completed in late 2019.
The new unit will include 14 chairs as well as two training rooms, two isolation rooms, two consultation rooms and future capacity for a total of 22 chairs.
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"We have about 30 patients outside of Dubbo that frequently have to come in to here for dialysis and often, if we're full like today, they may have to sit and wait in a bed overnight before we can dialyse them tomorrow," nurse manager Gail O'Brien said.
"We are hopeful with the new unit that that won't have to happen, that they'll get their dialysis in a much more timely fashion."
The new unit will also boast more natural light in a less run-down and cramped space - something Trevor McAllister says will make all the difference to the more than 60 patients who rely on the service.
Mr McAllister began dialysis almost four years ago, and spends 13.5 hours every week in the chair.
"I'll be very excited when it all happens and it's been nice to be able to look out through a glass window and see a little bit of action instead of a blank wall," he said.
"You've got to be very positive when something like this happens and it's a big change in your life … if you're not positive about it, it's all over."
The new unit has been a long time coming - more than a decade, according to Ms O'Brien.
Dialysis was moved into the former surgery building in 2003, she explained.
"Now it's actually going to go ahead, because I saw those screws come out of the roof today!" she said.
"We know it's a given - finally. So everyone will be very proud."
Dubbo MP Troy Grant was on hand to mark the start of construction on Monday, and said the "current demand on our renal services certainly needed this investment".
Crucially, the relocation also paves the way for the $35 million Western Cancer Centre Dubbo to be built on the current dialysis site.
"The infrastructure is important, but it's the services that are delivered inside that infrastructure that makes all the difference," Mr Grant said.
"So a wonderful milestone day that's really setting this facility up again to be a leader when it comes to health service delivery."
"Gail here has done a fantastic job in keeping everyone content … and also organising and helping to get the new facility going," Mr McAllister said.
"I think all the staff and the patients appreciate what Gail has been doing … well done Gail."
