In yesterday's NSW State Government Budget for 2020/21,Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said "we will continue to ensure our regional and rural residents have access to vital, world class services, and across the regions, projects big and small are laying the foundations for future growth, from schools and hospitals to national highways, metro-quality internet, and regional rail".

In Lismore App's budget story yesterday (NSW budget hands down vouchers to every adult resident), you read how we, in Lismore and surrounds, will benefit from next year's budget.

One of the announcements was a further $21.4 for Lismore Base Hospital as part of the $312.8 million Stage 3 Redevelopment project. 

Northern NSW Local Health District Acting Chief Executive Lynne Weir, told the Limsore App that Stage 3A and 3B are now complete - with Stage 3C consisting of the refurbishment works component of the overall redevelopment project, which are expected to commence in the first half of 2021 and are currently out to tender. 

"The scope of these works is expected to include refurbishment of existing inpatient units, education and training facilities and expanded community and outpatient services on the existing Lismore Base Hospital footprint," Ms Weir said. 

The redevelopment works started in 2013 and have included a new Emergency Department and Renal Unit which opened in late 2016, followed by the completion of the South Tower in mid-2018 which includes Women’s Care, Paediatrics, Surgical Services and inpatient units. 

(Admissions area on Level 4 of the North Tower in 2019 under construction. Photo: Supplied)

The North Tower was completed in December 2019 and comprises inpatient wards as well as medical imaging, Critical Care, pathology and admissions. 

Building hospitals and healthcare facilities is a complex process, to find out more click here. 

As Lismore Base Hospital is the centre of medical care as well as one of the largest employers in the Northern Rivers, any extra funding to build and enhance that reputation is welcome.