The predicted timeline was shared with Deniliquin’s new health committee when it was being given a rundown on the process for the upgrades.
A recent meeting of the Deniliquin Health Action Group (formerly Voices for Health) was addressed by two senior members of Murrumbidgee Local Health District — the director of clinical operations Carla Bailey, and manager of assets and clinical technology Darren Green.
They outlined the proposed plans and timing of the $4.6 million project, which will be funded by pre-election commitments this year from both state and federal governments.
A $3.2 million commitment from the NSW Government will fund a new maternity nursery, theatre upgrade, pharmacy space, relocation of the oncology clinic, creation of a treatment space for paediatric and adolescent patients, a new CT scanner and a much-needed reconfiguration of spaces in the emergency department.
A $1.4 million pledge from the Federal Government will primarily be used on the emergency department.
Final design for the works is expected to be completed early next year so the project is ‘shovel ready’ when the funding will be available next financial year.
Deniliquin Health Action Group chair Dr Marion Magee said the committee was grateful for the opportunity to be advised about progress on the hospital upgrades, and she was pleased the MLHD had committed to keeping the group informed of progress.
‘‘Importantly, the funding commitments will be honoured in the next financial year so we look forward to seeing the commencement of works in the second half of 2020,’’ Dr Magee said.
‘‘These upgrades, especially the emergency department, are desperately needed at our hospital.’’
Dr Magee said the local health group has started to administer a survey to help in determining what community members believe are the priority health service needs for Deniliquin and district.
‘‘It is important that we identify the health service expectations of our community so we can work with governments on meeting our needs,’’ Dr Magee said.
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