Dr Joe McGirr, Bronnie Taylor, Wes Fang and Paul Toole were on hand for the official opening of Tumut Hospital. Photo: Supplied.
While Tumut’s new $50 million hospital has been in operation for almost a year now, boasting an expanded emergency department and maternity and promising a host of new services, it was officially opened on Thursday (27 October).
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the facility has transformed health care in the Snowy Valleys.
“The NSW Government knows how critical healthcare is in the bush, and we’re backing that in with a record $11.9 billion investment towards building and upgrading our state’s health infrastructure over the next four years, with nearly a third of that being spent in the regions on more than 90 projects,” he said, adding that major projects like this also bring jobs to the regions.
“With more than half of all subcontractors and suppliers based in Tumut, Wagga or Albury, this is a hospital that has been built by locals for locals.”
The final works stage for the project was recently completed, including landscaping, a new car park and construction of the hospital’s new main entrance.
The new Tumut Hospital has been open to patients since last year. Photo: Richard Crookes Constructions.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Ludford highlighted the community input that saw the inclusion of additional features like a quiet room for families and a cultural room.
“We are proud of this new contemporary health facility which will improve patient experience and help attract and retain skilled clinicians,” she said.
Wagga’s Independent MP Dr Joe McGirr said it was an emotional day for him.
“I have had a long involvement in the hospital, as an emergency doctor, as an administrator trying to get facilities like renal dialysis set up, and as an MP advocating for the community,” he said
“It is a very inclusive space, and I’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff who worked in the old facility.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor outlined some of the new services now available and said it was important to bring the local health services under one roof.
“Existing services like maternity and surgery can now be delivered in more enhanced and modern medical spaces while new services, including a CT scanner, ultrasound and renal dialysis are enabling people to access services closer to home,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The new chair-based services, in particular, will make a huge difference to patients, with treatment able to take place during the day so patients won’t have to stay overnight.”
Some construction work continues at the site on the helipad that will serve the communities of Tumut, Adelong, Batlow and Gundagai.
Key Worker Accommodation is also being built, with five single-bedroom units scheduled for completion in early 2023.
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