Australia's New South Wales (NSW) Government has officially opened the new 430-bed Tweed Valley Hospital located on the NSW North Coast.  

The hospital, which represents an investment of approximately A$723.3m ($479.3), is set to serve a rapidly growing population in the region with its increased capacity and advanced medical services. 

It currently has a capacity for 430 beds, which is nearly 200 more than the previous facility, and is equipped to deliver comprehensive healthcare services. 

The Tweed Valley Hospital will have an interventional cardiology service, presently being developed, to provide both diagnostic and interventional procedures related to cardiology.  

Additionally, the hospital will serve as a hub for clinical training and research, facilitated by the Northern NSW Academic Health Alliance, which collaborates with local universities, such as Technical and Further Education (TAFE) NSW, and the Local Health District.  

Other notable features include access to radiotherapy services, more than 1,000 free car parking spaces, along with availability of enhanced medical imaging in the emergency department (ED) to expedite patient support. 

The newly opened hospital will also be supported by a new urgent care service and an ambulance station in Kingscliff. 

Staffed by NSW Ambulance Extended Care Paramedics, nurses, and allied health professionals, the urgent care service has recently commenced operations. 

It is designed to alleviate pressure on EDs by treating elderly patients at home or in residential care facilities.  

Next month, the service is expected to extend its hours to seven days a week, between 8am and 8pm, to cater to residents of all ages in the Tweed region. 

Furthermore, the region's ambulance services will be bolstered by the new Kingscliff ambulance station, which is nearing completion and will replace a 65-year-old facility.  

The two-level station will include modern amenities such as staff facilities, internal parking bays, and logistics areas. 

NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said: “For the community here in Tweed, this facility means hundreds more hospital beds, more ED treatment spaces, and more single patient rooms. 

“New services at the hospital are estimated to benefit 5000 patients each year by giving them access to care locally, without needing to travel outside the region as was previously the case.”