Goulburn hospital upgrade 'bungled and delayed,' Labor claims

Shadow Health Minister Ryan Park described the $150 million project as "bungled and delayed," with inadequate parking.

Mr Park said Mr Hazzard appeared to have "rushed out to Goulburn" for a photo shoot last week with shovels at the project site, after Labor leader Jodi McKay's recent visit to the city with Goulburn Duty MLC, Tara Moriarty MLC.

"Labor has heard from the community about serious concerns about delays with the project and a glaring lack of community consultation," he said.

"I'm pleased Jodi McKay's visit got the Minister out there to do something finally. It's important to lead from the Opposition benches, but it shouldn't have come to this.

"When no one knows what's going on, from the neighbours to important local business and community leaders, it's a disgrace.

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Ms Moriarty said health services were not keeping pace with the region's community needs.

She pointed to Labor's $200 million pledge for the hospital's redevelopment in the lead-up to the State election.

"At least we have forced them to commit to some of the additional services Labor identified as crucial to the project, including renal (dialysis), chemotherapy and outpatient services," Ms Moriarty said.

"But the people of Goulburn deserve better. The local council has been left in the lurch to sort out parking infrastructure associated with the project. Their calls for the construction of a multi-storey car park to alleviate congestion in the area should not have been ignored."

But a NSW Health Infrastructure (HI) spokesperson said the project remained on track, with the main work to be completed by the end of 2021.

"It is not uncommon for different technical consultancies, including architects, to be appointed at different stages of hospital redevelopment projects," she said.

"This ensures the most appropriate expertise is provided at various stages of the redevelopment. All appointments for the project have been carried out in line with NSW Government procurement guidelines."

HI chief executive Rebecca Wark last week told The Post that "the right architects to finish the job now and that's the best thing for the project."

As a result of the current architect, Silver, Thomas, Hanley's involvement, they had been able to afford more for less, she said.

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Health Minister Brad Hazzard said he had no knowledge of the three architects' involvement.

Health Infrastructure has also rejected suggestions of inadequate public consultation.

"Community feedback, both formal and informal, has been incorporated into the design," the spokesperson said.

"The statutory approval process included a public exhibition where the community was able to comment on the plans. There has been a range of community sessions to discuss parking along with meetings with the council.

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"In addition, Project User Groups, including clinical and non-clinical staff and patient representative groups, informed the redevelopment plans. Over 700 people took part in design consultation. The design of the hospital has been managed by Health Infrastructure and Project Management consultants, TSA Management."

She said Silver Thomas Hanley was appointed by HI to undertake design development and was now completing the final documentation for the contractor, Hansen Yunken.

Main works construction is due to commence in the coming weeks.

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