Health Minister Brad Hazzard joined Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot Macdonald in Metford to help turn the sod, marking a key milestone in the hotly contested project.
The facility's future has repeatedly been raised in the lead up to the state election, most recently with Labor's announcement it will match the state government's commitment to build the hospital if elected.
“The Hunter community is getting a magnificent, world-class hospital with significantly expanded services, including a chemotherapy service for the first time,” said Mr Hazzard.
"Since 2011, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has overseen 94 new and upgraded hospitals and health facilities, either already completed or underway.”
The sod turning followed the Health Minister's earlier announcement that Tomaree Hospital will be receiving a new heart monitoring system thanks to $44 thousand dollars in funding from the state government.
A new Telemetry monitoring system is set to improve patient flow in the hospital, freeing up beds in the Emergency Department.
While speaking to media, Brad Hazzard also confirmed there are upgrades on the way for John Hunter Hospital.
He couldn't confirm when the announcement regarding those upgrades would be made, but he assures it will be made, regardless of whether it comes before or after the March 23 election.
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| The turning of the first sod at the future Maitland Hospital site. Image: Ian Crouch/2NURFM News |
