25 August 2009

Additional funding to improve hospital's children's ward

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, today announced $240,000 funding to finish improvements to the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Children’s Ward.

“I am pleased to announce this funding which will allow completion of the second stage of renovations to the 17-bed Children’s Ward,” the Minister said.

The announcement brings the total investment for the improvements to $690,000.

Mr Della Bosca said $450,000 was allocated in the first stage of works, completed in October last year, to improve the layout of the children’s ward and include isolation areas and new bathrooms as well as to complete repairs.

Stage two works will include:
• Minor refurbishments to the bathroom
• Improved storage space
• Two additional ensuites
• Refurbishment and upgrade of the existing ward to create two separate rooms to accommodate six beds.

“The completion of this upgrade will greatly improve the comfort of local sick children and their families while they are in hospital,” the Minister said.

“It will also improve the medical and nursing staff’s ability to put into place hygiene control measures and to isolate very unwell young patients.”

Tenders for the work are expected to be called by the end of September and work will begin soon after.

Mr Della Bosca said the NSW Government has a commitment to investing in health services for the Wagga community.

“This announcement continues that commitment – supporting health staff and improving access to health services for the local community,” the Minister said.

“The NSW Government is also committed to redeveloping Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. This is one of a number of competing projects across NSW which, each year, mean that difficult choices have to be made about what can be done within the available budget.

“This project has a long history and the government recognises its importance to the local community.

“It is vitally important that planning for projects such as Wagga Wagga Base Hospital is undertaken, so that as our revenues recover, we can be ready to build,” he said.

“Detailed planning for the hospital redevelopment is currently underway,” the Minister said.

“Whilst it is not possible to give a timeframe for this project, I want to assure the community that this project remains a key priority,” he added.

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