In the lead up to the March State election it was inevitable that there be an official sod turning of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital with an array of dignitaries including the NSW Minister for Health, all lined up with their shovels. The project has already witnessed a string of photo opportunities with different politicians attending to make milestone announcements or to showcase candidates in an upcoming election. The next media event is to provide evidence that a promise was kept to begin work on the new facility in the term of the current government. While that might be the case the sod turning will be little more than an opportunity by the current government to declare how good they were and that we should all vote them in again as they introduce their candidate. As per the standard protocol only select media will be invited and, as per the last "Official Opening" media stunt with the new Emergency Department demountables in Moruya, neither the Mayor of Eurobodalla nor the Member for Bega will be invited. There will be the same old faces from Southern NSW LHD along with the Chair of Eurobodalla NSW Health Service community representative committee. But at least there is progress. It is rumoured that the Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, will be present. This may well be the last time he visits the region before he retires from politics in March. The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will include:
An emergency department
An eight bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) /Close Observation Unit (COU)
Increased capacity for chemotherapy treatments and increased access to renal dialysis
Surgical and operating theatres and a day stay surgical unit
Expanded medical imaging, including MRI
Ambulatory care for community outpatient services
Paediatric and maternity services, and a special care nursery
Mental health beds for short term admissions, and
Enhanced education and training facilities, including a simulation laboratory.
Above: It is rumoured that the official sod turning will take place on site on February 6th at 10:00 am, hopefully accompanied by an announcement that will see a radiotherapy facility included, given the Federal government have committed funds to the unit.
