The NSW Government has promised $150 million to build a regional hospital in the Eurobodalla Shire, after a community campaign.
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Online, campaign leader Doctor Michael Holland has called for between $180-200 million to build a new regional hospital.
Thousands of shire residents and the Eurobodalla Shire Council supported the push. A petition with 2860 signatures was lodged with Member for Bega Andrew Constance on Friday, October 26.
On Wednesday, October 31, Premier Gladys Berjiklian and Member for Bega Andrew Constance announced the funding for the Eurobodalla Health Service.
The site of the proposed hospital remains unknown. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said Health Infrastructure would seek an appropriate location for the new hospital, with construction to commence during the next term of government.
Mr Constance said the hospital funding was a record investment and would benefit patients throughout the shire for generations.
“We are ensuring quality and accessible health services for the region, capable of addressing future demand,” Mr Constance said.
Ms Berejiklian said: “We have seen ... that new hospitals can be a game changer for the local economy, and attract more skilled health professionals.”
“Our hard-working doctors, nurses, other health professionals and support personnel will have a workplace they can be extremely proud to work in.”
Mr Constance said, in the past 12 months, the local health district had been planning for the range of services that would be included in the new hospital, following $500,000 in planning money allocated in 2017.
In October 2017, at Moruya Hospital, Mr Constance said the funding was to advance planning for future health services for the Eurobodalla Health Service, including the redevelopment of the ageing Moruya Hospital.
Community consultation identified patient safety as a top priority, as well as delivering a single central service with integrated local services and access to specialist services closer to home.
“Community consultation has been integral in identifying the clinical service requirements that will ensure we can continue to meet the health needs of Eurobodalla shire residents in the future,” Mr Constance said.
In September, the ALP said it would grant a Medicare MRI licence at Batemans Bay Hospital if it wins the next federal election.
