21 November 2005

New health facility for Portland

NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos will today turn the first sod of the new $6 million redevelopment of Portland Hospital.

The Minister was joined by Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin at the site where they met with staff and community members followed by a tour of the aged care facilities at Tabulum Cottage.

Mr Hatzistergos said the $6.136 million redevelopment would combine a brand new health care facility with the expansion of Tabulum Cottage aged care facility, at the Tabulum Cottage site.

"The local Portland community will benefit from enhanced, 24 hour health services and an increase in bed numbers," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"Today marks the start of preparation for building works which are expected to begin on the Tabulum Cottage site early next year.

"The new development will include:

• an increase from 10 to 22 aged care beds,
• 4 sub-acute hospital beds with a focus on rehabilitation,
• an acute treatment area, and
• an aged day care centre.
• "The new Portland Health Service, including Tabulum Cottage, will combine hospital services with community health services and will also include a GP surgery.

"It will also operate a wide range of visiting allied health services including clinics with mental health workers, occupational therapists and diabetes educators.

Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin said the $6 million project would include the refurbishment of the existing Tabulum Cottage, a residential aged care facility for 10 residents, in addition to the expansion of the services.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au