The $10.4 million facility was completed on schedule, and was funded by the Commonwealth through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Sub- Acute Beds Guarantee.

The 20 bed unit has a mix of one and two bed inpatient bedrooms enhanced by a lime-green colour scheme, landscaping and a centrally located courtyard which creates a light–filled, relaxed setting. It also includes a gymnasium to serve the entire hospital, a dining area for patients, lounge rooms, a state of the art kitchen with brand new appliances, an external raised courtyard for rehabilitation, external paths and rehabilitation areas, and an undercroft area supporting plant and hospital equipment.

Goulburn Health Service General Manager Kerry Hort took Member for Goulburn Pru Goward on a tour around the wing. Ms Hort says she’s extremely impressed with the fresh look of the ward.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Goulburn, and it adds value to the services we already provide,” she said.

“We’re now able to provide a service that we’ve not had before, through subacute rehabilitation care. It adds great value to what we do, and is a wonderful boon to have a new facility to provide appropriate health care in Goulburn and we feel very fortunate.”

Ms Goward emphasised the importance of such a facility for Goulburn residents.

“The most important thing about this wing is that Goulburn people can now have rehabilitation in Goulburn - they don’t have to travel to Canberra or Sydney,” she said.

“Patient’s families can now stay close to home and visit their relatives in comfort, and it just a much better service for the people of Goulburn. It means we don’t lose them, and of course we have 20 local staff to provide this wonderful service. It’s an extremely good thing for the Goulburn community, and also great for employment in the city as well.”