Eurobodalla Regional Hospital: Construction kicks off for $330m facility
Construction has kicked off for a controversial regional hospital on the NSW south coast, just weeks after the price tag blew out by millions.
The South Coast News
Don't miss out on the headlines from The South Coast News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Construction for a controversial, $330m hospital on the NSW south coast has officially kicked off, following a major cost blow out and debates over smaller hospital closures.
NSW Premier Chris Minns was joined by NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park and Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland at the site of the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital to officially commence its construction on Friday.
The sod turning and construction crews rolling up to the site in Moruya occurred just weeks after Mr Park revealed the construction cost was increasing to “meet construction timelines”.
The mega hospital is set to include an emergency department, an eight bed intensive care and close observation unit, increased capacity for chemotherapy and renal dialysis, surgical and operating theatres, expanded medical imaging department, including MRI, pediatric and maternity services, mental health beds and enhanced education and training, including a simulation lab.
The facilities will also erase the need for Eurobodalla residents having to travel to Canberra Hospital or Shoalhaven Regional Hospital.
At the site of Friday, the premier could not rule out any further construction cost increased, despite the recent $70m blowout.
“We hope not,” Mr Minns told this publication.
He said the budget had to increase to allow services like the ICU to be part of the hospital.
Mr Minns also recognised how the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital would prompt the closure of the Batemans Bay Hospital.
A petition was created and signed by more than 18,000 residents concerned the closure would leave Batemans Bay as the largest regional NSW centre without an emergency department.
Despite the petition being debated in NSW parliament, Mr Minns said keeping the Batemans Bay ED open while running the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital would be impossible.
He said health worker numbers in the area would need to increase by 50 per cent just to run the new hospital; a number which would grow substantially to run two hospitals in the region.
“Where are you going to get all these doctors and nurses from?” he said.
“We are flat out recruiting the staff for this major expansion in health services in the Eurobodalla.”
Transport for NSW revealed the incoming construction would have effects on the Princes Hwy running along the construction block, with decreased speed limits and increased road signage.
Residents have reacted to construction crews setting up at the Moruya site, stating it was “about time”.
“We have been hearing about this hospital for so long now, so it’s so good to see these construction crews finally there,” Moruya resident Ron Hartman said.
“It finally feels real, like it’s actually going to be built.”
Meanwhile, elderly resident Margaret Bullock said the hospital was going to be perfect for her and others her age.
“We really need more facilities down here that’s going to cater for needs of older people in the area,” she said.
“This hospital is going to do that, so I’m very glad to hear constructing is just around the corner.”
Mr Minns said the hospital should be completed by sometime in 2027, however timelines could change.
Got a news tip? Email us at tom.mcgann@news.com.au
Tradie fraudster who swindled $100k appeals full-time jail
The fraudster roofer who swindled more than $100,000 from clients and a business partner, blaming the multi-month long scam on “financial hardship”, has appealed his jail sentence.
Read more
‘I didn’t see her’: Drug driver kills 88yo during illegal turn
A young driver who hit and killed an elderly woman in a south coast town last year while performing an illegal turn had methamphetamine and cocaine in his system, court documents reveal.
Read more