20 May 2009

Auburn Hospital opening

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, has today officially opened the new $145 million Auburn Hospital.

“The new hospital is an outstanding asset for Auburn and will ensure we are well placed to cope with the growing and changing health needs of the local community well into the future,” the Minister said.

The hospital provides:

• 184-bed capacity;
• 6 operating theatres;
• 24-hour emergency care;
• Medical services and general surgery with a focus on planned day surgery for adults;
• Maternity services including care before, during and after birth;
• Allied health services including physiotherapy and occupational and speech therapy;
• Outpatient services including cardiac rehabilitation, ante-natal, general surgical and paediatric and diabetes clinics;
• Aged care and rehabilitation; and
• Breast Cancer Institute Sunflower Clinic for free breast screening for women over 40.

Mr Della Bosca said it’s fitting the hospital opening has taken place on the 101st anniversary of the opening of the original 18-bed Granville Electorate Cottage Hospital, which changed to Auburn District Hospital in 1920.

“Thousands of operations are expected to be carried out at the new hospital in its first year, compared with 24 reportedly performed in the old cottage hospital in 1911,” the Minister said.

Member for Auburn, Barbara Perry, praised the hospital design and its innovative arts and cultural program.

“A range of artistic and cultural works were developed, including murals for the birthing rooms and a stunning five-storey glass window depicting the creation of the universe, by Aboriginal artist Bronwyn Bancroft,” Ms Perry said.

Sydney West Area Health Service Chief Executive, Professor Steven Boyages, congratulated those involved in the project, especially staff who contributed to its planning.

“We’re now looking forward to the next stage of development, with concept planning for new community health facilities already underway,” Professor Boyages said.

“The strong sense of community ownership and support has been a feature of this facility over the past 100 years and we will continue to adapt to meet the health care needs of our local community for another century and beyond,” he added.

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