The finalisation of a major stage of the Lismore Hospital redevelopment project will deliver improved health services for people throughout the NSW Far North Coast.

Minister for Health Sussan Ley visited Lismore for today’s official opening of Stage 3A of the hospital redevelopment and to inspect the facilities.

“This is a significant project for the region, and one the Australian Government has been proud to invest in,” Minister Ley said.

“The Australian Government has contributed $60.25 million towards the total cost of $80.25 million for this stage of the development.

“This has delivered a new emergency department; an expanded emergency medical unit; a new ambulance bay and drop-off zone; an express community care clinic; a new renal dialysis unit; a pathology unit; a satellite imaging department, and increased hospital parking, directly opposite the new building.

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan said the opening of Stage 3A of the Lismore Hospital redevelopment represented a new era in quality healthcare for the region.

“The Lismore Hospital provides a range of health support not only to those who live in the city, but to patients from around the Northern Rivers, and I’m sure they and their families will appreciate these services for many years to come,” Mr Hogan said.

Minister Ley said Lismore Hospital is also continuing its role as an important teaching hospital, taking medical, nursing and allied health students from a number of universities.

“Through the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program, the Australian Government funds the operation of the University Centre for Rural Health North Coast – located within the hospital precinct – which includes state-of-the art teaching facilities and student accommodation,” Minister Ley said.

“It supports the operation of the North Coast Medical Education Collaboration – a unique partnership between the University of Sydney, Western Sydney University and the University of Wollongong – which provides long-term rural medical placements for these students. Last year, 55 medical students undertook placements through this program around the North Coast region.

“Our programs also support placements for nursing and allied health students – and last year, nearly 500 of these students undertook a rural placement across the North Coast area.

“These programs are important in the training of our future medical, nursing and allied health professionals, and we hope many of the students who have undertaken a placement here in Lismore and around the North Coast make their future career in regional and rural communities.”