THE Manning Valley looks set to strengthen its place as a regional centre for excellence in health services, with the Mayo Healthcare Group proposing to develop land adjoining the Mayo Hospital at Kolodong as a sophisticated medical campus.

Mayo chairman Paul Greenhalgh said this week the group plans entirely new oncology, pain management and nuclear medicine facilities. In addition, buildings to accommodate expanded pathology, mental health and community allied health facilities and administration and services functions will be constructed.

"Council's recent approval of sub-division plans for the overall site will get these important projects off the ground," Mr Greenhalgh said. "Mayo and its partners can progressively develop these first-class facilities over the next five to seven years, in response to the growing needs of our local community."

The new plans address issues raised by some neighbouring residents who were concerned about the amount of supported accommodation previously proposed for the site. The new plans contain only limited accommodation for in-patients' families and friends; for visiting clinical staff; and to support the work of the Mayo's expanding mental health unit.

The public exhibition of the proposed plans closes today.

The proposed plans are on public display at council's offices until today.