Despite the $263.8 million investment to redevelop Grafton Base Hospital, major trauma patients will still be triaged to Lismore or Tweed Heads for treatment.
At a recent community meeting concerning the paramedic roster changes at Yamba Ambulance station and the impacts they could have, Australian Paramedics Association members revealed that the upgraded Grafton Base Hospital will not be classed as a major trauma hospital.
This means in instances where there is a serious crash on the M1 Motorway in the Clarence Valley, or when paramedics are called to respond to a local serious trauma incident, the patient(s) won’t be taken to Grafton Base Hospital, even following the upgrade, as it will not have the staff or facilities to cope.
Last week the NSW Government announced early works are to commence on the hospital redevelopment.
The Northern NSW Local Health District NNSWLHD described the works on their social media channels:
“Early works are set to begin on the $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, with Woollam Constructions appointed to refurbish 2 administration blocks at the former Grafton Gaol site,” the NNSWLHD said.
“This will provide modern office and training facilities for hospital staff while clinical services remain at the existing hospital site.
“The former gaol site will also house 36 new units for health worker accommodation, helping attract and retain essential staff.
“The redevelopment will deliver a new Emergency Department, expanded surgical and maternity spaces and more, improving health services for Grafton and surrounds.”
The Clarence Valley Independent asked NSW Health the following questions about the hospital redevelopment
“What works are currently happening and what is the timeline for those works?
“When the redevelopment is complete, what Level Hospital will Grafton Base be, and what services, including specialists and radiology will be available to the Clarence Valley Community? “Will these services be full-time positions?
“Once redeveloped, will Grafton Base Hospital be classified as a ‘Major Trauma Hospital’ as described by the APA, or will serious patients be triaged to Coffs Harbour or Lismore?
“What extra facilities, equipment, or staff would be required to classify Grafton Base Hospital as a ‘Major Trauma Hospital’?”
A Northern NSW Local Health District spokesperson confirmed that when the redevelopment is completed, Grafton Base Hospital will not take major trauma patients.
“The $263.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital will deliver a new three-storey building, including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit, enhancing health services for the region,” the spokesperson said.
“Hospitals across our District, and the state, work as a highly networked public health system which ensures patients receive the safest and best clinical care at the most appropriate health facility.
“The Grafton Base Hospital will retain its classification as an Emergency Level 4 Hospital, with trauma services to continue to be triaged to, and undertaken at both Lismore Base Hospital and Tweed Valley Hospital within the Northern NSW Local Health District network of hospitals.”
This article appeared in Clarence Valley Independent, 2 April 2025.
