The redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital, valued at $263.8 million, has reached a significant milestone with the commencement of early construction works. These preliminary efforts are currently taking place in front of the main hospital building, alongside new traffic arrangements aimed at enhancing safety for patients, staff, and visitors.
State Nationals Member of Parliament for Clarence, Richie Williamson, expressed optimism about these developments. He noted that the changes to traffic conditions on Arthur Street will facilitate the construction of a new pedestrian crossing, a crucial improvement for safety around the hospital area. “These works are a visible sign that the long-awaited redevelopment is moving forward,” Mr. Williamson stated.
The early works include minor refurbishments to a building near the existing main entrance, allowing ambulatory care services to be relocated from the main construction zone. This strategy is designed to maintain accessibility to health services throughout the redevelopment phase. “While there will be some short-term disruption, these changes are about making access to the hospital safer and preparing the site for major construction,” Mr. Williamson explained.
Across the street, at the former Grafton Gaol site, refurbishment of two administration buildings is already in progress. Upon completion, hospital administration staff will move to the refurbished site, enabling redevelopment activities to begin on the main hospital campus while clinical services remain operational.
The redevelopment plan includes the construction of a new three-storey Acute Services Building, which will house an expanded Emergency Department, an Emergency Short Stay Unit, Medical Imaging, MRI facilities, an inpatient unit, and an enlarged Day Surgery and Operating Suite featuring two additional operating theatres.
Mr. Williamson continues to advocate for the inclusion of full maternity services as part of Stage 1 of the redevelopment. “It is critical that maternity services are fully operational as part of this stage – not just accommodated as a future shell. Families in the Clarence Valley deserve certainty when it comes to local maternity care,” he emphasized.
The funding for this significant redevelopment was committed by the former NSW Nationals Government, and Mr. Williamson expressed satisfaction that the current NSW Government is honoring that commitment. With these ongoing developments, Grafton Base Hospital is set to enhance its facilities significantly, benefiting the local community.
