NSW Premier promises $35 million for Griffith base hospital, but no timeframe

No major funding was allocated for the hospital in the 2017/18 NSW budget, and the Premier got annoyed when The Area News asked her if the funding would at least come next year.  

“I’ve said this five times already, the money is there, OK, as the premier of NSW that’s why I’m here to say the money is there, what we need to do is make sure the final planning takes place.” 

The premier made the announcement at Griffith base hospital on Wednesday, after touring the hospital and meeting with patients and staff with Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli. 

“I am proud that as a Government we can commit to stage 1 of the redevelopment of Griffith Hospital. Our local community will not only benefit from better critical care services and increased capacity for treatment clinics, but patients will enjoy a much more comfortable, welcoming environment,” Mr Piccoli said.

The premier’s media release said “it is anticipated that the redevelopment will include refurbished and modernised medical and surgical inpatient accommodation; upgraded and increased capacity of ambulatory care clinics and treatment spaces; upgraded critical care services and improved access and onsite parking”.

The premier’s announcement was welcomed by Griffith mayor John Dal Broi. 

“This is exciting news for the community of Griffith.”

Griffith City Council were looking to commission a lobbyist to convince the government of the need for the upgrade, but said “the premier has beaten us to the punch”. 

Both the mayor and Mr Piccoli had said that more than $100 million was needed to properly upgrade the hospital, and Cr. Dal Broi was confident the $35 million was “just a start” with more to come. 

“I believe by the time the hospital is fully upgraded they will spend $120 million… there is a role for council to continue to talk to government and help ensure this happens.”