The day commenced with a Welcome to Country by Arakwal Traditional Custodian Delta Kay, and short speeches by senior Northern NSW Local Health District executives.
Members of the community were then guided on half-hour tours of the new facility.
The Byron Central Hospital project was funded by the NSW Government, and overseen by Health Infrastructure NSW. Leading contractor Brookfield Multiplex built the hospital on the 6ha Ewingsdale site, delivering an important piece of social infrastructure to the Byron Shire community and the many visitors to the area.
The project was managed by Savills Australia, and designed by architect Nettleton Tribe. The 9400 square metre complex features overnight inpatient beds, 24/7 Emergency Department, non-acute inpatient mental health unit and ambulatory care (allied and community health) consult rooms and clinic spaces.
NNSWLHD Acting Chief Executive Annette Symes said it was rewarding to see so many community members take the time to attend the open day.
“We are delighted with the level of support from the Byron Shire community in viewing their wonderful new hospital,” Ms Symes said.
“Visitors were excited to see the Suzanne Jamieson maternity unit with large birthing baths in the three suites, and the top-end imaging equipment, including the $1m CT scanner. The superbly equipped emergency department also attracted close interest.”
