The state government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has announced the opening of an ambulatory care centre at Cooma Hospital.

The centre features dedicated patient consult rooms, a new reception and patient waiting area, pathology collection room, a large meeting room, a new staff offices and storage spaces.

NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said: “This new centre brings together community nursing, child and family health, podiatry, medical specialist clinics and NSW Health Pathology services in one location.

“Having these under the one roof will significantly enhance access to a range of health services for Cooma and the surrounding communities.

“It will now be easier for the community in Cooma to access high-quality healthcare, with a suite of services together under one roof."

The purpose-built Ambulatory Care Centre is intended to provide enhanced healthcare services to the Cooma-Monaro community.

It is part of the Cooma Hospital Redevelopment project, which is being carried out with a A$26.6m ($17.4m) investment.

NSW Member for Monaro Steve Whan said: “Consolidating a range of ambulatory and outpatient services will improve the ability of staff to deliver first-class care, and enhance the experience for patients.

“The dedicated doctors, nurses, health care practitioners and hospital staff at Cooma Hospital will use these new, well-equipped workspaces to continue to deliver outstanding care to the community."

The Cooma Hospital redevelopment project also includes a new maternity unit and emergency department.

Construction is also on track for new accommodation units at the hospital, which are due to be manufactured offsite and deployed at the hospital from the middle of next year.

Minister Park said: “These units will provide new and visiting healthcare workers with fit for purpose self-contained temporary accommodation, which is a really important factor is attracting healthcare staff.”