The NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park has announced $1.6 million in funding for Maclean District Hospital, with two major projects aimed at improving patient care and staff safety.
The funding will see $1 million go towards upgrading the hospital’s nurse call system, which has become so outdated that replacement parts are no longer available. The new system will make sure patients can reliably call on nursing staff when they need help, improving safety and communication on the wards.
A further $600,000 has been committed to replacing the hospital’s lift, which is more than 30 years old and has suffered repeated breakdowns. The new lift will ensure patients, staff, and vital equipment can be moved safely around the hospital. It’s expected to be installed by mid-2026 after fabrication and a three-month transition period.
These projects follow a $245,000 upgrade of the hospital’s mortuary earlier this year, which included new walls, ceilings, flooring, refrigeration, and improved access.
Minister Ryan Park said these investments were essential to keep the hospital operating safely. He said the projects were part of a broader improvement program and showed the government’s commitment to regional health. Labor spokesperson for Clarence, Emily Suvaal, said the new lift and call system would make a real difference, and Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Tracey Maisey added that investments like these gave staff the tools they need to care for the community.
While these announcements are welcome, the reality is that Maclean Hospital has been struggling for years and the community knows much more needs to be done. Staff shortages, outdated infrastructure, and limited services have left many patients waiting too long for care or being sent to Grafton, Lismore or beyond for treatment that should be available here at home. For elderly residents, families without transport, and those in urgent situations, this creates serious barriers to getting the help they need.
The Clarence Valley’s population is growing and aging, and yet Maclean Hospital has not kept pace. These upgrades are important, but they are more about keeping the hospital running than preparing it for the future. The community has been loud and clear: we need real investment that addresses the bigger issues.
One of the most frustrating gaps is the still-absent CT machine. For years it has been promised, and for years we have waited. A CT scanner at Maclean would mean faster, life-saving diagnoses for conditions like strokes, head injuries, and internal bleeding. Instead, patients are still being transferred out of the valley, losing precious time and putting extra strain on families and emergency services.
Our community is proud of Maclean Hospital and grateful to the hardworking staff who go above and beyond every day, often under immense pressure. But pride alone isn’t enough. What we need is proper investment to match the reality of our community’s health needs — and the long-promised CT machine delivered once and for all.
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