Work starts on new rehab unit
The start of construction works on the new Woy Woy Sub Acute Rehabilitation Unit was marked with a sod-turning ceremony at Woy Woy Hospital on Friday, May 11.
Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O'Neill said the project wouldn't be possible without a $21 million contribution from the Gillard Labor Government.
"This has been a long, hard fight for the Peninsula community," said Ms O'Neill.
"Today the community can celebrate the fact that work has started and a new rehabilitation unit will be completed by mid next year.
"Not only will the rehab service return to Woy Woy, it will be housed in a modern, brand new 30-bed facility.
"This project is a great example of the benefits of the new COAG health agreement between Prime Minister Gillard and the State Government."
The Gillard Government is providing $9 million towards the $14 million construction cost of the unit as well as a further $12.7 million for recurrent costs until 2013-14.
Minister for Health Ms Jillian Skinner said that the project included a courtyard area to be used for therapy treatments, a gymnasium, as well as improvements to services such as kitchen areas, staff facilities, waste collection facilities and additional parking.
"The redevelopment has also been designed to enable expansion to meet future needs as Woy Woy Hospital develops," Ms Skinner said.
State Minister for the Central Coast Mr Chris Hartcher said he was proud to be part of a government which had listened to the community and was returning vital services to the Central Coast.
"Labor closed down this facility without consultation, but the O'Farrell Government has kept its promise and is now delivering better services for the community," Mr Hartcher said.
Member for Gosford Cr Chris Holstein said the NSW Government was getting on with the job of delivering on election commitments for Woy Woy.
"The community campaigned hard for rehabilitation services to be restored, and the Minister came to Woy Woy, listened to our concerns, and has delivered for our community," Cr Holstein said.
"This is a great day for the people of Woy Woy, and it's great to have members of the Woy Woy Hospital Alliance here, as they have been strong community advocates for the return of rehabilitation services," he said at the ceremony.
The project includes a 30-bed Sub Acute Rehabilitation Unit for short stay admissions, multiple courtyard areas for rehabilitation activities, external paths and rehab areas and structure to enable the future expansion either side of the proposed unit in line with the master plan for the hospital.
Woy Woy Hospital Alliance member Mr Edward James said nothing would have happened without the involvement of several thousand people who understood the importance of such medical amenity to the Woy Woy Peninsula.
"On behalf of our community I thank all those people who made the effort to fight for what they knew was right," he said.
Media Release, 11 May 2012
Peter McCabe, Office of Deborah O'Neill MP
Media Release, 11 May 2012
John McCormack, Office of Jillian Skinner MP
Email, 2 May 2012
Edward James, Umina
Photo: Naomi Bridges