The government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has announced a topping-out ceremony for the Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment project.

Built at a cost of A$250m ($158m), the three-storey clinical services building has officially reached its highest construction point.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the new purpose-built building marks the 'centrepiece' of the hospital redevelopment project.

Park said: “Today’s ‘topping out’ ceremony is a significant milestone in the construction of this new health facility, which will enhance healthcare for our community and increase capacity to better meet the current and future health needs of this growing area of NSW.

“The redevelopment will support contemporary models of care and improve patient experiences, including a new aged care and rehabilitation inpatient unit and expanded outpatient services with more specialist clinic rooms and renal and oncology chairs.”

Construction of the hospital is due to be completed in 2025.

The redevelopment features an improved emergency department, two new operating theatres and a procedure room, as well as separate emergency department and hospital reception entrances.

It also includes maternity and paediatric inpatient units, expanded medical imaging facilities with a new CT and nuclear medicine service, refurbished community health facilities and additional car parking spaces.

NSW Assembly Member for Murray Helen Dalton said: “This redevelopment faced unacceptable delays under the former government, but it’s great to now see real progress being made at the Griffith Base Hospital under the Minns Government.

“The people of Murray have always deserved a first-class facility and this redevelopment will go some way to ensuring they get it.

“Minister Park has been very proactive and that’s incredibly encouraging for everyone in my electorate.”

Following the completion of the hospital’s structural work, the project teams will focus on the building's internal fit-out, service installations and exterior works.