Labor's health spokesman Ryan Park is calling on the NSW Government to "come clean" about the opening date for the new Bulli Hospital and Aged Care Centre.
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With construction on the $50 million facility now complete, the Keira MP said he - and many northern suburbs' residents - were keen to know when it would be up and running.
The facility has been redeveloped under a public-private partnership, with the NSW Government contributing $33.8 million and the balance coming from IRT Group.
It's been built across the road from the old Bulli Hospital, which opened back in 1893.
"The original hospital was built thanks to the donations of women and men in working communities in the northern suburbs," Mr Park said.
"Over the years the community had to fight hard to save their hospital, and it's important the government recognises their commitment and keeps them informed of when this new facility will open."
In response to a question on notice from Mr Park, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard this week confirmed that construction was complete.
"I am advised the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District is finalising its plans to commence operations from the new hospital," Mr Hazzard told parliament on Tuesday.
However Mr Park said communication was key to change the attitudes of residents, so they recognised Bulli hospital was a viable alternative for certain services.
"Part of the problem with the old Bulli Hospital was that people didn't feel confident about it as it was often closed, and so they'd just head straight to Wollongong Hospital," he said.
"We want to take that strain off Wollongong - and also enable people to access certain services closer to home.
"So we need to let them know when they can start using this hospital, and for what illnesses and injuries."
According to the ISLHD website, the new facility will include a hospital with 60 aged care beds managed by the health district.
As well there will be an urgent primary care centre which will operate from 7am to 10pm to treat residents and visitors with minor illnesses and injuries.
There will also be ambulatory care services and clinical support services such as medical imaging, pathology and pharmacy.
The co-located 60-suite residential aged care centre will be operated by IRT.
ISLHD Executive Director Infrastructure Development Suzanne Harris said the facility would be "open to patients in coming months".
The district has worked extremely hard to continue providing excellent health care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while also ensuring that the extensive process of transition to the new facility is well underway," she said.
"Staff are currently undergoing the required induction, orientation and other training ahead of the move. ISLHD is also finalising operational plans and the significant logistics needed to facilitate the move with minimal disruption to patients and staff."
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