The latest in cutting-edge medical technology is being rolled out in a new state-of-the-art pathology laboratory at Nepean Hospital, as part of a $29 million investment in NSW Health Pathology laboratories across western Sydney and regional NSW.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park marked the official opening of the hospital's new Pathology Laboratory, a key feature of Nepean Hospital's $1 billion redevelopment.
Mr Park said the new facility is one of the first NSW Health Pathology laboratories to be fitted with advanced new chemical pathology analysers, and will provide a range of common tests such as liver and kidney function tests and diabetes monitoring.
"Nepean is one of the first laboratories in NSW to receive this state-of the-art diagnostic equipment, which will enhance the services and facilities available to patients treated at the hospital," Mr Park said.
"The expanded Pathology Laboratory is 1.5 times larger than the previous lab and features the latest equipment which will revolutionise the way staff work and carry out testing.
"Pathology is a crucial tool in detecting, diagnosing and treating disease, as well as an important aspect of managing long-term medical conditions."
Auburn, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Mount Druitt, Nepean and Westmead Hospitals will receive new chemical pathology analysers as part of the $29 million program roll out.
NSW Health Pathology is investing in the latest automation technology, which will further improve efficiencies around the movement and processing of samples in larger laboratories, like Nepean.
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said she was thrilled to mark the opening of the new Pathology Laboratory.
"This hospital has been at the heart of this community for more than 150 years and will give the communities of Penrith and the Blue Mountains access to world-class diagnostic health care," Ms McKeown said.
"During Stage 1 of the redevelopment, more than 3,700 contractors were employed to work on this major project, with 73 percent of them living in Western Sydney, and thousands of more jobs will be supported during the Stage 2 development."
The Pathology Laboratory was fast-tracked as part of Stage 2 development of the $1 billion Nepean Hospital redevelopment.
The completion of the Pathology Laboratory will enable construction to start on the hospital's new Stage 2 building, which will include.
The Nepean Redevelopment is being delivered in two stages – with Stage 1 of the $1 billion redevelopment opening to patients and staff in 2022.
The new Stage 2 building will seamlessly connect to the 14-storey Stage 1 tower and construction is being carefully staged to minimise disruption to patients, visitors and staff, and to maintain hospital services at all times.
Construction for Stage 2 of the Nepean Redevelopment is currently underway and is scheduled for completion in 2026.
For more information visit Nepean Hospital Redevelopment.