​​​​North Coast communities will benefit from a $1.7 million funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade hospitals and health facilities throughout the region.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park today announced a number of projects will be undertaken in Northern NSW Local Health District as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $12 million Regional Health Minor Works Program, to help improve the experience of patients and staff at the District’s hospitals.

These include:

• Lismore Base Hospital Cardiac Catheter Lab Chiller upgrades
• Lismore Base Hospital Mental Health High Dependency Unit observation, seclusion area and courtyard upgrades
• Ballina District Hospital General Ward hot water system replacement and upgrades
• Goonellabah Dental Service roof replacement
• Nimbin MPS façade painting and refurbishment
• Maclean District Hospital mortuary upgrade
• Grafton Base Hospital Emergency Department Short Stay Unit upgrade works.

The minor works are expected to commence during the first half of 2025.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of almost $12 million in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

"The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in health infrastructure to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“The $12 million Rural Minor Works Program allows local health districts to upgrade equipment and health facilities to enhance the working environment for health staff and improve patient experiences.

“The program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Quotes attributable to Janelle Saffin, Member for Lismore:

“These works are essential to maintain the high level of health care which our communities deserve. These improvements, repairs and upgrades will enable health staff to continue to deliver excellent patient care in environments that support patients and their families to feel safe, welcome and comfortable.”

Quotes attributable to Emily Suvaal, MLC, Labor Spokesperson for Ballina and Clarence:

"I welcome the Minns Labor Government's commitment to investing in our vital health services, particularly for our rural and regional communities.

"These works will deliver much-needed improvements to the crucial health services our community relies on and are just one small part of the Minns Government's ongoing commitment to delivering for our regional communities."