Tuesday's State Budget has delivered $19.8 million ahead of schedule to fast-track stage 1 construction of the much-anticipated $60 million redevelopment of Inverell District Hospital.
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Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said he was delighted with the result, which also saw the $30 million for stage 2, to commence construction late next year, also fully funded. That money had first been announced in last year's budget.
"Inverell's hospital redevelopment is a $60 million project and every cent is locked in the State Budget," Mr Marshall said.
"Today's additional funding injection will allow stage 1 to be fast-tracked to ensure completion in October next year.
"This means the community get a brand new hospital built and see the existing building gutted and refurbished for community and allied health services mush faster, with the $30 million stage 2 to begin in late 2020.
"This result will be a modern health precinct, with all services under the one roof, that will cater for the health needs of the community for many decades to come."
Mr Marshall said Tuesday was the culmination of a lot of hard work and perseverance by many in the community, including local GPs, Inverell Shire Council and hospital staff.
He especially singled out Bob Bensley, who has been "a tireless campaigner for the project for decades."
"It's been a real team effort and there have been moment when I think we all thought we wouldn't get to this point, but it's been worth it," Mr Marshall said.
"This project has been a personal one for me, as I committed to delivering it when I was first elected, so I am pleased as punch today for Inverell.
"The Stage Two funding will see the GP clinic revamped, a new dental clinic, onsite accommodation for visiting specialists and allied health services such as physiotherapy and oncology will also have a brand new facility to work from."
The $60 million dollar hospital means that every single priority that was identified by the Clinical Services plan, the clinicians and the community will be delivered. The facility, which has had no significant investment since the 1930s, will become a hub for the entire Inverell district.
"Inverell will have a hospital it is proud of and will serve this thriving community for decades," Mr Marshall said.
The $60 million dollar development will include:
- New and expanded Emergency Department (6 to 9 spaces) including emergency care for children, mental health-related presentations and victims of sexual assault
- New 38-bed Inpatient Unit including paediatric facilities, maternity and birthing facilities and general adult services, including palliative care
- New Medical Imaging (X-ray) Department
- Two new Operating Theatres
- New Central Sterilising Unit
- New Day Surgery Unit (increase of 1 space to 6)
- Increased capacity for renal dialysis (increase of 2 chairs to 8)
- New main entry and admissions area
- New Mortuary
- New GP clinic
- New Dental clinic
- New Staff accommodation
- Allied and community health facilities - including aged care resources, physiotherapy, oncology and disability services.
- Parking and landscaping
