NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said he continued to listen to the public as to what they wanted from the redevelopment project.

Mr Hazzard met with members of Public Health First recently to discuss the project. 

He said it was a productive meeting.

“Edna’s [Carmichael] views were very helpful and relevant.

“At the end of the day as health minister my job is to make sure local areas get the best possible health facilties.”

In the latest state budget, $5 million was allocated for the coming financial year to continue work on the redevelopment project.

A Health Infrastructure spokesperson said the $5 million allocated in the budget would enable works to prepare for construction and completion of planning and design work. 

This includes work to plan for car parking.

“The budget papers are a financial completion, not a physical completion of the project,” they said.

“Minor refurbishment works, remediation/landscaping, warranty periods and a 12 month defect liability period occurs well after the facility has been handed over.”

The state government has committed a total of $50 million to the development.

The spokesperson said this would deliver a purpose-built new building to house services, including inpatient wards and operating theatres and a new hospital entrance.

Mr Hazzard said construction was likely to commence middle to late 2018.

He said he expected work to take about two years to complete.

Work is also continuing to finalise the Clinical Services Plan (CSP).

South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) has worked with practitioners and clinicians to understand what they believe is needed in the redevelopment.

Mr Hazzard said as late as last week he had had also been in communication with community representatives to get their thoughts.

“It is challenging to work out at Clinical Services Plan,” he said.

“Everyone is on the same page and wants the best possible hospital facility. It’s a balancing act as to what facilities are appropriate for a regional hospital.”