AFTER helping to turn the first sod at the start of construction last year, Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis was on site to officially open the new Grafton Base Hospital Ambulatory Care Centre.

Describing the centre as a “twenty-first century facility”, Mr Gulaptis said the day is about celebrating a massive improvement to our local hospital.

“The old centre was outdated and the new one delivers the health care services that our patients really need,” he said.

“The new facility is very spacious and patients are able to receive the best available treatment locally in a caring and quality environment.”

Dan Madden, Clarence Health Services General Manager said everyone who has already visited the new facility is very impressed.

“It’s tremendous to already be receiving such encouraging feedback,” he said.

The NSW Government committed $17.5 million towards the project which delivers integrated ambulatory and specialist medical services to Grafton Base Hospital.

The construction incorporates a two-storey building with a new under-croft loading dock, links to the existing hospital campus and a public drop off zone.

The Ambulatory Care Centre provides a wide range of clinical services including oncology, chemotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, a renal dialysis unit, obstetric and gynaecology clinics and outpatient clinics for patients with chronic conditions such as cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation services.

New $17.5 million facelift for Grafton Base Hospital by Emma Pritchard: www.clarencevalleynews.com.au/new-17-5-million-facelift-for-grafton-base-hospital