14 December 2007

Development approval granted for new $2.3 million Ryde Ambulance Station

NSW Minister for Health, Reba Meagher, today announced that Ryde Council has approved a Development Application for the construction of a new $2.3 million ambulance station on the grounds of Ryde Hospital.
Ms Meagher said approval of the Development Application was a significant step in the process to build a brand new ambulance station at Ryde.
“This is great news for the ambulance officers working in Ryde and also for the community they serve,” Ms Meagher said.
“The new ambulance station will provide state-of-the-art facilities for up to 20 staff and six ambulances. It will include a plant room, parking area for ambulances, an office area, store room, a common room and a private outdoor area.”
Ms Meagher said construction of the new ambulance station on the grounds of Ryde Hospital would also provide benefits for the hospital.
“In addition to the construction of a new ambulance station, this project also includes upgrades to the adjacent child care centre and additional car parking to offset the spaces lost due to the location of the new ambulance station,” Ms Meagher said.
A contract for construction of the new ambulance station is expected to be awarded within the next few weeks.
Ms Meagher said completing the new ambulance station was a priority.
“We expect that work will commence in January and the new ambulance station will be fully operational by August 2008.
In the meantime, the existing Ryde Ambulance Station has re-located to temporary premises at Manning Road, North Ryde.
The ambulance station will remain at this temporary location until the new ambulance station is competed.
Ms Meagher reminded the community that ambulance stations are not always staffed if crews were responding to callouts.
“In an emergency, people should always call Triple Zero (000),” she said.

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