Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Daryl Maguire MP today inspected two major infrastructure projects which are transforming healthcare in Wagga Wagga.

The Minister and the Member for Wagga Wagga toured the new NSW Ambulance station, which is in the fit-out phase and will be fully operational in the first half of 2017.

The $4.4 million station - which has 14 ambulance bays, a zone office, a fleet maintenance workshop and an advanced training complex - is the first of 17 updated, rebuilt or new stations to be completed under the NSW Government's $122 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program.

Mrs Skinner and Mr Maguire also visited Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital to view final plans for the new main entrance and car park.

“Wagga Wagga is a wonderful example of a regional community which is benefiting from the health infrastructure boom underway across NSW,” Mrs Skinner said.

“The $282 million redevelopment of the city’s hospital was the largest regional hospital project undertaken in our first term - but we did not rest on our laurels, instead pressing go on the Stage 3 redevelopment, while also upgrading the ambulance station.

“I’m delighted to join Daryl in inspecting the progress of both projects today - particularly to see the old hospital building has been reduced to rubble, allowing the fabulous new acute services building to be admired from every angle.”

Mr Maguire said: “The ongoing transformation of our hospital as well as the long overdue upgrade of our 90-year-old ambulance station are major contributors to the advancement of our city. These updated facilities mean Wagga Wagga is able to attract and keep highly-skilled health professionals to ensure our community receives the very best care available.”

While in Wagga Wagga today, Mrs Skinner attended the meeting of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Rural Health, which helps direct health policy through a greater understanding of the unique needs and challenges in the regions and the bush.