THE Griffith Community Private Hospital is one step closer to reality with St Vincent's poised to knock over the final funding hurdle.
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NSW health minister Jillian Skinner reportedly told the ABC last week that St Vincent's Hospital had agreed to fund the new hospital's sterilisation unit the final obstacle before the project can be given the green light.
However, St Vincent's spokesman David Faktor said the deal which could equate to more than $3 million had not yet been done.
"St Vincent's Health Australia is currently reviewing the funding issue for the sterilisation unit and we expect to make a positive announcement soon," Mr Faktor said.
Plans for the hospital stalled about eight months ago when a stalemate evolved between St Vincent's and the department of health over who would fund the vital sterilisation unit.
It is believed an announcement about the funding will be made following a meeting between Griffith City Council and the hospital board on December 12.
Griffith mayor John Dal Broi was rapt to hear Ms Skinner's confirmation.
"This is extremely good news because it's something this community has been waiting for and desperately needs," Cr Dal Broi said.
"We have been led to believe the announcement could be forthcoming in the next few weeks and once that is all settled, we can sign all the lease documents.
"Once they're signed, we can instruct the architects to start the design work, which should take about three months or so, then work can begin."
Cr Dal Broi said fundraising efforts had slowed recently but he was confident the community would get on board once work began in earnest.
"With all the pledges, we've probably raised around $650,000," he said.
"I'm convinced once people start seeing the bricks and mortar, more dollars will come in."