A KIDNEY transplant recipient hopes the state government’s commitment to fund the final stage of Wagga hospital’s redevelopment will lead to the end of an “agonising” wait.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A $10 million NSW Government commitment announced during Wednesday’s state budget has initiated the final stage in the hospital redevelopment.
Stage three of the Wagga Rural Referral Hospital’s $282 million complete overhaul has now been earmarked for a late 2019 completion date.
Dialysis recipient Jim Bennett hopes the finalised project will signify a new beginning for treatment availability in the region.
“It really marks the end of an era and the end of a difficult history for people with illnesses that are out of left field,” he said.
“I’ve been waiting with bated breath for the hospital’s completion.
“Many of those who are suffering will be inspired by the thought there’s positivity on the horizon.
“Hopefully none of the hospital’s services are affected.”
The final stage includes a new rehabilitation unit, ambulatory care, renal dialysis, BreastScreen, allied health, community mental health and dental care services.
Wagga MP Daryl Maguire said $6 million will finish stage two in preparation for stage three, which has received $4 million in funding.
“The state government are looking to invest up to $170 million to see the hospital’s completion,” he said.
"This hospital will be the biggest and the best, with latest technology.”
Murrumbidgee Local Health District chief executive Jill Ludford quickly doused those fears. “All patient services will continue as work progresses,” she said.
“We are delighted with the funding announcement which will enable the third and final stage of the Wagga Health Service redevelopment to commence.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet also delivered funds to bolster the development of a new Tumut hospital, a Wagga primary school and fire stations at Henty and Batlow.
