Initially the new hospital, to be built on a greenfield site on the Newell Highway south of Parkes, was allocated $42.5 million, but local State MP, Troy Grant said this had been increased to $72.5 million, ensuring a state of the art facility.

Parkes Mayor, Ken Keith who took part in the announcement which was greeted by loud cheers, was ecstatic.

“This is wonderful news,” he said.

“We did have concerns that the initial allocation of funding would not be enough, now with $70 million, it most certainly will be.

“It will ensure all of our community needs will be met with sufficient space for all services.

‘This includes accommodation for visiting specialists and plenty of parking with, I understand, the furtherest spaces no more than 80 metres from the hospital, no problems like those which exist at Orange.

“It means we will have a state of the art facility which will meet the community’s needs for decades to come.”

Forbes Mayor, Ron Penny was also on hand to receive news of $25 million additional fundingfor the major upgrade of the Forbes Hospital - from $25 million up to $42 million.

Work on the Forbes hospital project is expected to commence in two weeks time, while a development application for the new Parkes Hospital has already been submitted to the State Government and will be available for public viewing in mid March.

Work is expected to commence later in the year, with completion by 2016.

The Parkes and Forbes hospital projects are being managed as a combined Lachlan Health Service project and Mr Grant said he was thrilled the total budget had been increased by $45.9 million to $113.4 million.

“The Parkes and Forbes communities have been dudded for the past decade and I made it my number one  commitment to get some action.  That is why I said if I did not deliver, I would not stand for relection in 2015.

“That is why I am very proud to announce we are increasing funding to $72.5 million for Parkes Hospital and $40.9 million for Forbes Hospital.

“The (Health) Minister (Jillian Skinner) called me into her office last week.  I can tell you I left her office with a smile as big as split watermelon.

“The local Mayors, Ken Keith and Ron Penny, have been driving this, so it is good they are both here to share in this announcement.”

Mr Grant said planning for the project was now complete and the scope of works necessary for each site mapped out.

“Just last year I spent time at Parkes and Forbes hospitals and visited the site of the new Parkes Hospital. The excitement surrounding the projects was palpable.

“I have no doubt these redevelopments will provide enhanced health services and improved collaboration between the Parkes and Forbes hospitals to ensure better health outcomes for their communities, now and into the future.

“This is a remarkable announcement and one which heralds a new era of health care for Parkes and Forbes,” Mr Grant said.

“For 16 years Labor neglected our health system and ever since the community has harboured doubt about whether these projects will get off the ground.” 

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Health Minister, Jillian Skinner released a statement pointing out other milestones were also being reached on the Parkes and Forbes projects.

“A State Significant Development Application (SSDA) has been submitted to the Department of Planning & Infrastructure for the new Parkes Hospital,” Mrs Skinner said.

“From mid-March, the plans will be on public exhibition on the Department of Planning and Infrastructure website at http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au.

“And Health Infrastructure has advised they have awarded the early works contract to Zauner Construction for the first phase of the refurbishment of Forbes Hospital. This is a significant step in preparing the site for main works construction.”

The redevelopment of the Parkes Hospital on a new site will include:

· Emergency Department;

· Inpatient ward;

· Birthing suites for maternity services;

· Ambulatory Care treatment area, including chemotherapy and dental facilities;

· Advanced operating suite and day-only surgical services; and

· Non clinical support services, including pharmacy, pathology and medical imaging.