The final stage of the Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment is now complete, with the NSW Nationals in the state government delivering a world-class hospital and community health campus that will provide the highest standard of healthcare for patients in a growing region of NSW.
Nationals Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and Duty MLC for Lismore Ben Franklin officially opened the new buildings, capping off almost a decade of construction throughout the many stages of the $312 million project.
Mrs Taylor said the new health facilities will allow for contemporary models of care that clinicians and staff are excited to deliver in their local community.
"Lismore Base Hospital is a world-class facility with incredible health staff who provide care to more than 35,000 people every year," Mrs Taylor said.
"This major redevelopment has brought the health campus up to the highest standard and ensures patients can continue to access the health care they need close to home.
"A big thank you to the incredible hospital staff for their involvement and patience throughout this redevelopment. You have continued to go above and beyond for your patients during this period, particularly through some really challenging times for the Northern Rivers."
Stage 3C of the Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment includes:
• A refurbished medical ward with stroke, acute delirium beds and general medical beds with a gym and an activities of daily life kitchen
• new outpatients department
• a new cardiology unit, with co-located coronary care beds and step-down cardiology beds in the one unit, making it easier for staff to provide ongoing care to these patients.
• Community Health facilities on the main hospital campus
• an auditorium
• a new front entrance and reception area
• a new library, education centre, meeting and training rooms
Mr Franklin said the new dedicated health spaces were a welcome boost to both patient care and to the ongoing development and training of the health workforce.
"The additional outpatient clinic capacity will allow the health service to expand the specialist outpatient options beyond what was possible in the previous site," Mr Franklin said.
"The co-location of the community health services on the hospital campus enables staff to provide greater continuity of care and better support patients as they move from acute hospital care back into the community."
The $312.75 million redevelopment began in 2013 with the construction of a new Pathology Department, followed by the Emergency Department and multi-storey carpark which opened in 2016. The Stage 3 redevelopment also included a new Renal Unit, Women's Care, Paediatrics, Operating Theatres, medical imaging, pharmacy and inpatient wards.
The redevelopment was jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments.
The Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment is part of the NSW Nationals in the state government's record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over the next four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.
Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects across the State , with more than 130 projects currently underway - more than 90 of which are in rural and regional areas.
