The funding will be used to complete the expanded Medical Imaging Department, new CT, ultrasound and fluoroscopy equipment and improvements to patient waiting areas.

NSW Premier Gladys Berijiklian made the announcement at the hospital on Friday, June 1 and said the development is close to the hearts of the community.

“I’ve heard in the last few days that I’ve been here, the community wants to know that this hospital has all the facilities it needs and they need, especially when it comes to diagnostic and other services,” Ms Berijiklian said. 

“I’m pleased there will be a boost to cancer services, emergency and other services here.”

Ms Berijiklian said the population of the Manning is growing so developing the hospital will help meet the needs of the community.

“We want to make sure that locals can come to this hospital and get the services they need,” Ms Berijiklian said.

She added that stage two planning in underway.

“There is a bit of work to do,” Ms Berijiklian said. 

Before the announcement, Ms Berijiklian was flanked by NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead, Manning Hospital general manager Jodi Nieass and Hunter New England Health chief executive Michael DiRienzo for a tour of the hospital.

Ms Nieass outlined early plans for the funds.

“It’s really exciting that we’ve got this extra money and I’m really excited with my team here at the hospital.

“Everyone loves this place and puts in 100 per cent so we’re going to be very excited to get together and start planning about how we can better the services with the extra money we’ve been given.

“There’s a blank shell that has been built on top of the current renal and oncology area and it has been decked out for imaging so that will obviously be in the planning to move imaging services and then we’re in a position to actually have a look at what can we do with the area that imaging leaves,” Ms Nieass said.

Mr Bromhead was pleased the extra funding was made available and take the total to $40 million. 

“This is something that our community have been really looking to,” Mr Bromhead said. 

“This is a great day for Manning Hospital, for the staff who work so hard and do such a good job in our community and for the people of the Myall Lakes who use the services here.”

Mr Hazzard thanked the staff for their work and ongoing enthusiasm.

“Staff in this hospital are amazing, they are great lovers of the hospital, they adore working here and their community so as Health Minister, I want to thank them for the work they do as well,” Mr Hazzard said. 

Designs will be completed later this year with work expected to start in the first half of 2019.