NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park and Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas today toured the Albury Hospital campus, where planning is progressing to deliver a major hospital redevelopment for the Albury, Wodonga and border communities.
Minister Park said the NSW and Victorian Government's cross-border partnership to invest in a contemporary health facility will significantly expand and enhance health care services to meet the needs of the border region now and well into the future.
"The redeveloped Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital will deliver a co-located health care destination, creating a centre of excellence for the whole community," Mr Park said.
"These new and enhanced health services and facilities will support contemporary models of care and deliver the best possible experience for patients, staff and visitors by making it easier to access and receive care.
"Investing in a major build on the current Albury Hospital campus provides the optimal location to deliver sustainable health care facilities and services for the community whilst providing the best value for money."
Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said this world-class health care hub will provide a modern environment which will attract healthcare workers to train, work and live in the region.
"Hospitals are nothing without the doctors, nurses, allied health and support staff that keep them running and this state-of-the-art facility will give them modern and efficient workplace they need, to continue to deliver the best possible care," Ms Thomas said.
"Our landmark $558 million redevelopment of the Albury Hospital campus builds on recent upgrades including the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre and the new and expanded Emergency Department and Short Stay Unit which is currently underway.
Minister Park said feedback from staff, patients, healthcare professionals, key stakeholder groups, councils and the community is an essential part of designing and building a new hospital that best services the needs of the local community.
"Extensive consultation has been undertaken with the community to inform the early planning process with over 1,000 staff, volunteers, patients, community members, local councils and health agencies participating in various consultation activities and sessions," Mr Park said.
"This early consultation has delivered valuable feedback around the hospital's design, location on the campus, parking and access to the hospital, education and training opportunities, and workforce management."
The next step in the planning process is the completion of the master plan.
The master plan outlines the vision for the new hospital and confirms where the new and upgraded health facilities will be developed on the Albury campus.
"There will be further opportunities for staff and the community to participate in shaping the design of the new hospital, and we're committed to working with the community every step of the way," Ms Thomas said.
Planning for the future use of the existing Wodonga Hospital site is already underway.
The project is being delivered by NSW Health Infrastructure in partnership with Albury Wodonga Health, the NSW Ministry of Health, Victorian Health Building Authority and the Victorian Department of Health.
The Albury Campus Redevelopment project is jointly funded by the NSW and Victorian Governments with support from the Australian Government.
For more information visit Albury Campus Redevelopment.
