THE state government is being urged to step up to the plate and foot the entire bill for the long-awaited upgrade of the ageing Armidale hospital.
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Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall was at the hospital on Wednesday to announce that the redevelopment concept planning had been completed and that NSW Health Infrastructure had last week given the proposal the green light.
It has now been referred to Health Minister Jillian Skinner for consideration and all that remains is to find the
$60 million needed to make it happen.
“As far as progressing this redevelopment, the ball is now firmly in the minister’s court and it’s now a case of ‘show
us the money’ so we can get on with tendering and construction,” Mr Marshall said.
He said they could no longer afford to wait for the federal government to find its share of the upgrade, and that the state needed to step up and give the community the high quality health services it deserved.
The proposed redevelopment includes a refurbished emergency department, new operating theatres, critical care services, inpatient beds and medical ward.
“Combined with the new University of New England Tablelands Clinical School and the ambulatory care building, the redevelopment of Armidale hospital will see a world-class health precinct in our region, which combines extensive quality clinical and community health services with impressive teaching and research facilities,” Mr Marshall said.
He said he had met with deputy premier Troy Grant recently to press the case for the upgrade and intended meeting with the minister in the new year.
“I believe we have a very strong case for the funding, however, there are many projects on the drawing board across the state competing with us and that’s why we need one final push from the community,” Mr Marshall said.
Meanwhile, member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson is calling for the redevelopment of the Gunnedah hospital, saying the facility was failing to keep pace with the area’s growth.
He said there were a number of areas that needed upgrading, including the kitchen, operating theatres and birthing suites.
While the exact cost of the redevelopment is not yet known, early estimates are about $2 million.