However MLHD say they have taken into consideration Ms Blumer’s concerns and stand by the decision to demolish the building.

In a new bid to make Murrumbidgee Health District (MLHD) “sit up and listen,” she is calling for the community to come together on the front lawn outside Griffith Base Hospital on Saturday May 5 at 10am.

“I would like to invite all supporters to a public meeting… to exhibit the strength and power of the people to stop this demolition and provide a better pathway forward,” Ms Blumer said.

Health Infrastructure Senior Project Director Amanda Bock said there was a lot of consideration coming into the decision, and it wasn’t a case of “just demolish the building”.

“It’s not merely about the building itself. We are focused at the moment on getting Stage One of the hospital redevelopment started and looking at the future stage, and master plan for the whole site,” Ms Bock said.

“The building does have social value... and we will document and find ways to commemorate that, but at the moment for us it’s not a useful asset in its current form.”

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She said the alternative uses for the building i.e. refurbish into staff accommodation, lease to the public or subdivide and sell, have been considered but were complicated and would take time, energy, resources, and money away from the hospital redevelopment.

Clare Bowditch is joining Ms Blumer in her fight, and says it’s imperative people come.

“I feel the community hasn’t been listened to. I feel the council hasn’t been listened to, that MLHD are acting unilaterally and I don’t understand their motives. We need all the help we can to fight this demolition,” Ms Bowditch said.

Demolition work on the nurses quarters will begin with the stripping of hazardous materials scheduled to start on May 15.