Bright play areas, a parents’ lounge and an adolescent retreat feature in Lismore Base Hospital’s Paediatric Unit, now open as part of an overall $320 million redevelopment.

Member for Lismore Thomas George and Health Minister Brad Hazzard today officially opened the unit and met with staff, patients and families.

Mr George said the Paediatric Unit accommodates 20 children and has 14 private rooms, including three isolation rooms for infectious or immuno-compromised patients, and all now have ensuites.

“I congratulate the hospital staff, community members and local charities such as Our Kids, for designing such a bright, welcoming place for young patients and their families,” Mr George said.

“It really shows what can be achieved when people work together to deliver services that will benefit our community well into the future.”

Mr Hazzard said the Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment is part of a record health infrastructure boom across rural and regional NSW, with $550 million committed in the 2017/2018 Budget.

“The NSW Government is investing heavily in our hospitals and health facilities so public patients in every corner of NSW get world-class care,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Having children in hospital can be a very difficult time and this wonderful unit goes the extra mile to make it as comfortable and stress-free as possible,” Mr Hazzard said.

The Paediatric Unit is the second floor to open in the south tower in the $180 million Stage 3B redevelopment, which includes a helipad, new operating theatres, Women’s Care Unit, medical imaging services and new inpatient units.

In June, the NSW Government announced $52.5 million towards the final Stage 3C of the redevelopment, which will include an enhanced Intensive Care Unit, new inpatient units and new education, training, research and administration facilities.

The 12-level south tower is due for completion early 2018.