Community News

Standing on the top floor of the new Ambulatory Care Centre, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis and Director Clinical Operations, Northern NSW Local Health District, Lynne Weir hold the tree that will be planted onsite signifying the high point of construction. Image: contributed

Grafton Hospital celebrates upgrade with two new doctor scholarships on offer

Doctors, nurses, local contractors and Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis celebrated a major building milestone on Grafton Base Hospital’s new Ambulatory Care Centre with a traditional topping out ceremony prior to Christmas, marking the high point of construction.

Adding to the good news, Chris Gulaptis announced the hospital is getting two junior doctor scholarships, one in emergency treatment and the other in paediatrics.

“The new centre is beyond the half way mark and when it opens next year it will have a huge positive impact for day patients across the Clarence Valley,” Mr Gulaptis said.

The $17.5 million upgrade puts Grafton Base Hospital at the forefront of ambulatory care in the region and is a stepping stone towards fulfilling the commitment Mr Gulaptis secured from the Nationals in the NSW Government for the $263 million complete redevelopment of the hospital.

The Grafton Base Hospital Ambulatory Care Centre provides two new floors of clinical services, supported by new public drop off zone and loading dock below, and new links to the existing hospital campus.

Mr Gulaptis also said two $3000 scholarship carrots were on offer to young doctors interested in training in emergency and paediatrics, saying young professionals were the future of Clarence health.

“What we know is that young doctors and nurses who do an early stint in regional NSW often stay in regional NSW and there is no better place to live and work than in the Clarence Valley and its ever improving hospital,” Mr Gulaptis said.

For more information on the scholarships, please visit: www.heti.nsw.gov.au/rgtp.