Southern NSW communities will benefit from a $900,000 funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade hospitals and health facilities in the region.

The investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $12 million Regional Health Minor Works Program which includes 61 projects across the state.

Projects in Southern NSW Local Health District include:

• $345,000 to upgrade the Anaesthesia Delivery Systems at Queanbeyan District Hospital to assist clinicians in compiling coordinated information on patient health.
• $245,000 for a new Laparoscopic Stack, a critical tool for laparoscopic surgeries, at Moruya Hospital
• $120,000 for five new Slit Lamp Opthalmoscopes for eye examinations in Batemans Bay, Braidwood, Cooma, Queanbeyan and Moruya District Hospitals.
• $190,000 for 12 new Bladder Scanners for diagnosing, managing and treating urinary outflow dysfunction.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park said “The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in upgrading health facilities to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“The Rural Minor Works Program will allow Southern NSW Local Health District 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.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said “This new equipment will directly benefit thousands of patients across Southern NSW, ensuring local community members have access to the best care and facilities. By providing this new and upgraded equipment, the health professionals in the Bega electorate will be enabled to provide the highest standard of medical and nursing care. Equity of rural and regional communities is being supported by this investment in our health facilities”