GUNNEDAH Hospital’s general ward and birthing suite are set for a makeover, which has been hailed as a big win for local mums.
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The state government will provide $750,000 from its rural health minor works program.
In total, $400,000 of the funds will be used to upgrade the hospital’s birthing suite, while $350,000 will go towards upgrading the site’s general ward.
Paediatric and Maternity Support group (PRAMS) founding member, Lauren Robertson, celebrated the announcement, telling The Namoi Valley Independent any funding for local medical facilities is always welcome.
“We are delighted to see this funding announced,” Mrs Robertson said.
“Our initial goal for PRAMS when it was formed, was to save the Gunnedah Hospital’s maternity ward, as it was at risk of being closed.
“Since then, as we have progressed, we have been working hard to do anything that’s been needed and it’s been the more money the better.”
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Mrs Robertson said PRAMS had played a hands-on role in outlining what upgrades the hospital required.
“We have worked as closely as possible with everyone from the hospital, to Kevin Anderson, to anyone with a stake in the upgrade to see what was required,” she said.
“We hope that our work has garnered the attention of the powers-that-be and more funding awaits us in the future.”
The PRAMS member said the group will continue to help provide the Gunnedah Hospital with anything it requires.
“From here I think it’s about helping the hospital tackle any staff shortages it may be facing,” Mrs Robertson said.
“For example, if there is a shortage of midwives then we can look into doing whatever we can to help overcome that problem, plus any others the hospital may be facing.”
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the upgrades will allow families the option to have their children in Gunnedah.
“I know parents want their baby to be born in their home town, so it’s really important to provide the appropriate and safe facilities for that to occur,” Mr Anderson said.
“The $400,000 birthing suite upgrade includes the construction of an ensuite for the second birthing room suite, a new baby bathing area and two new patient bathrooms.
“It’s all a part of that big picture, if you provide the best facilities and the best work space that will help attract people with those specialist skills to regional NSW,” he said.
Mr Anderson said the upgrades would act as a way to attract more specialist doctors to Gunnedah.
“From there, I am confident with how strong the Gunnedah community is, that once these people see it here they will want to stay here.”
The Tamworth MP said the upgrades would not be possible without the effort of PRAMS.
“This will compliment the excellent work and tireless fundraising efforts of PRAMS,” he said.
“Upgrading our health facilities is a big priority for me, and I will continue to work hard on behalf of Gunnedah to make sure we get our fair share.”
Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey told The Namoi Valley Independent the upgrade was further proof of Gunnedah’s positive future.
“There is no doubt that our region is a rapidly growing community,” Cr Chaffey said.
“This funding announcement is just another positive thing that is happening in our community along with the pool upgrade, the police station upgrade and the construction of a new overpass.
“As we continue to grow, our vital infrastructure needs to grow as well, so it is very pleasing to see that the Gunnedah Hospital is the latest piece of infrastructure to receive an upgrade,” he said.
No start date has currently been set for the upgrade works.