Stage one of Bowral Hospital is officially underway with the first sod being turned.
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This marks the beginning of the $65 million project, which was first announced in the 2015/16 financial year and added to again in 2018.
A further $55 million dollars for the hospital was secured in the last state election, making the total amount promised towards to hospital redevelopment $120 million.
Member for Wollondilly, Nathanial Smith said he was delighted to be present at the commencement of the redevelopment and got his hands dirty for the first sod.
"This is my first official function after being declared as the member for Wollondilly and I am excited that a project of this significance is being delivered for the people of my electorate," he said.
Mr Smith said that it was because of a strong economy that the government were able to deliver on their election campaign.
"The redevelopment of the Bowral and District hospital is ensuring that priority is delivered and is a direct result of the Berejiklian government's ability to provide and grow a strong economy in New South Wales."
When asked about the renal unit, Mr Smith said that it would be something to consider in stage 2 of the hospital redevelopment.
"Hopefully in stage two when we do the consultation, it will be up to the local health district to work with the local community to work with community groups to get the best possible for stage two.
"I'd like to see more specialists come in to the area but you need the right facilities and only under a strong economy can we build the right facilities.
"We'll be doing our best to meet community outcomes."
Acting general manager of Bowral and District Hospital, Susan Hare said that stage one would provide better accommodation for patients, better infection control and better purpose built wards for aged care and palliative care.
"Stage one means that the nurses, midwifery, allied health and medical staff can all practice in a contemporary purpose-built building.
"I think people will see that it will be state of the art rooms with en suites, all new furniture and fittings. Practicing medicine and nursing in a purpose built building has shown great advantage for patient care and safety."
Asked if a new purpose built facility would attract more nurses, Ms Hare said she was hopeful that more staff would be attracted to working in a newer building.
"It's a fantastic place to work, and we already provide a great level of care here. I think doing that within a new building is going to be just that much better for both patients and staff."
Stage one is expected to deliver a brand new emergency department, new and improved theaters, adult and pediatric wards, birthing suits, more rooms, new medical facilities and equipment and a brand new hospital entrance.
In charge of the build is ADCO Constructions. ADCO is an Australian owned construction company which has worked on projects such as Joondalup Health Precinct, St Vincent's Private Hospital, Brookvale Medical Centre, as well as other large scale projects including commercial and retail.
Completion of the redevelopment project is predicted to be late 2020.
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