An application to the Australian government’s Health and Hospitals Fund (HHF) for major upgrades totalling $100 million in Kempsey is currently being assessed.

It is the only submission the local Health District put forward to the HHF on behalf of Mid North Coast hospitals.

“We have submitted a $100 million application to the HHF for an expanded and redevelopment of Kempsey Hospital,” Mr Dowrick said.

“That money will include building costs, furniture and fittings, consultancy, surveying and engineering.”

The HHF was established in 2009 by the Australian government as part of its nation building program.

The redevelopment would include a new Emergency Department, which would incorporate an integrated community care centre comprising a fast track and ambulatory care zone adjacent to Emergency.

Investment on the operating theatres, the High Dependency Unit and the renal dialysis service would also be possible.

“This submission has the complete support of all our key stakeholders from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie,” Mr Dowrick said in Kempsey this week.

“We received up to 60 key letters of support from key stakeholders, who all agreed that the redevelopment of Kempsey Hospital is our number one capital priority.”

Services to support the submission included all shire councils on the Mid

North Coast, hospital medical staff councils, State and federal members of parliament, health care provides and indigenous provides.

“An announcement is due in at the May Federal Budget but in the meantime we are doing some exploration works in anticipation of a potential announcement,” Mr Dowrick said.

“It’s important to have done this body of work that allows us to advocate strongly for Kempsey Hospital and the local Health District.”

Kempsey’s high indigenous population will also play a vital role in the submission.