It was a historic, momentous day for Parkes on Friday with almost two decades of waiting virtually over!
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The first sod of earth at the site of the new $72.5 million Parkes Hospital on the Forbes Road was turned by NSW Health Minister, Jillian Skinner.
Joining the Minister was local State Member for Dubbo, Troy Grant who admitted to a sigh of relief that the official commencement of the project had finally arrived.
“I remember very clearly declaring that if this hospital project was not delivered in this term of office, I would not seek re-election,” he said.
“Thank goodness this sod turning ceremony has now occurred.
“My wife and I can certainly breath a little easier,” he laughed.
Minister Skinner said she was thrilled the project was officially underway.
“I have only been the Minister for three years, but was the Opposition Minister for Health for 16 years,” she said.
“I remember the former government agreeing to separate hospitals for Parkes and Forbes, and then trying to just get the one hospital.
“We worked hard to keep them honest about delivering two hospitals.
“It has been a long time.
“This is a wonderful greenfield site, in an excellent setting and is easily accessible.
“This new hospital will include everything you want.
“Forbes too effectively is getting a new hospital, and I am proud that we are spending this money in this area to deliver these services.
“I can’t wait to see the progress.”
Parkes Mayor Ken Keith was thrilled that the ‘big day’ had arrived.
“It has nearly been a 20 year wait for the new hospital but the wait has been worthwhile,” he said.
“The new hospital will be a contemporary, fist class facility with state of the art equipment.
“Additionally it will provide accommodation for specialist and nurses who may need to stay over night.
“The new facility will add to the attraction of medical specialists wanting to live and work in Parkes,” the Mayor said.
“The turning of the first sod at the new site marks a milestone and very exciting day for Parkes.”
Mr Grant revealed that some $215 million was being spent on hospitals and health facilities in his electorate.
“That is a magnificent contribution to health in our area,” he said.
“The Minister has now made nine visits out here in the last three years, and countless other trips while she was in Opposition.
“It is a proud occasion for the local Health Council and community who have been pushing hard to get the hospital they wanted.
“They were prepared to say no, that what was being offered was not good enough.
“Well the denials and talk is all over, and I congratulate the community on getting the result they wanted.”
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Minister Skinner announced that the new hospital would be built by Richard Crookes Constructions (who completed the new Parkes Police Station).
Work is expected to start as early as next week on establishing the work site, and building progress should be about 12 months.
The hospital is expected to be completed during 2016.
It is anticipated that 150 to 200 people will be working on site, and a commitment has been given that where possible, local resources will be utilised.
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During her trip out west, Minister Skinner also inspected the work on the $12 million Peak Hill Multi-Purpose Centre and progress at the $40.9 million refurbishment of Forbes Hospital.
“My tour of been immensely rewarding,” she said.
The new Parkes Hospital will include:
Emergency department; inpatient ward; birthing suites for maternity services; ambulatory care treatment area, including chemotherapy and dental facilities, operating suite and day-only surgical services; and clinical support services including pharmacy, pathology and medical imaging.