THE South East Regional Hospital is all set to open the week beginning March 7 next year.
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The construction finished early December, but the $187million building’s internal fit out and testing of equipment needs to be completed before the new doors officially open.
The Bega Hospital Auxiliary was given a tour of parts of the site on December 10 as it had recently donated $60,000 worth of televisions to the hospital – and the Bega District News was invited along as well.
The first thing to notice when walking through the main doors is the view out to green farmland and the Bega River through the large windows on the opposite side of the foyer – the stunning views can be seen from many other places in the building.
Walking through hospital the members of the auxiliary were happy to see their purchases in the wards and above chairs in oncology.
After the tour the auxiliary’s president Anne Sheedy and treasurer Phillipa Russell gushed about the “absolutely amazing” new hospital.
“They have done an excellent job,” Ms Sheedy said.
“If you’re in oncology and you look out the window, that view is definitely going to cheer you up.”
She and Ms Russell said the standout features were the view, the gym and the improved parking.
They were also excited to have a volunteer room, as in the Bega District Hospital they had to set up their kiosk in an old lift.
When visiting the oncology ward, where there are 10 bays and an accessible balcony, auxiliary member Betty Rose was given a seat in one of the new oncology chairs that had been chosen after trials with both patients and staff to find the easiest chair to use.
She said the chair was very comfortable and the new hospital was marvelous.
“There’s nothing here they’ve forgotten, you would certainly be safe up here,” Ms Rose said.
Bega Valley Health Service general manager Heather Austin said she was “ecstatic” about the near-completed hospital and she thought both visitors and staff were excited at the result.
She said the Bega Hospital will be decommissioned and the health service will be working with council to decide its future.
However, parts of the old building will be used for a time while some sections of SERH are completed.
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