Byron Central Hospital has celebrated 10 years of caring for the community, with staff, supporters and local residents gathering to mark the milestone and recognise the people who have shaped the hospital over the past decade.
The anniversary celebration acknowledged the contribution of generations of healthcare workers, volunteers and community members since the hospital opened on Ewingsdale Road on 7 June 2016.
The facility united services previously delivered across Byron Bay District Hospital, Mullumbimby and District Memorial Hospital, and Community Health centres in Bangalow, Brunswick Heads and Ocean Shores, creating a central healthcare hub for the region.
Over the past 10 years, more than 213,000 people have received care through Byron Central Hospital.
Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Tracey Maisey said the hospital’s success was driven by its strong sense of teamwork and community connection.
“The staff here work very well as a team and you can see the shared vision in action, with everyone working together to ensure patients receive the best care possible,” Maisey said.
“We also know from independent surveys, patients at Byron Central Hospital overwhelmingly rate the care they receive here very highly, and the cleanliness of the facility is also ranked highly on a regular basis.”
Built at a cost of $88 million, the hospital expanded access to higher-level healthcare services for local residents, including a better-equipped emergency department, enhanced medical imaging, maternity facilities with built-in birthing baths, and a sub-acute mental health inpatient unit.
Community Health services continue to play a central role on the campus, including Community Nursing, Child and Family Nursing, diabetic education, cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation, wound care, and adult and paediatric community and allied health services.
The hospital’s specialist palliative care and Hospital in the Home programs have also grown significantly over the past decade, helping people receive care closer to home and within their own communities.
Byron Central Hospital executive officer/director of nursing Tracey Sheehan said the anniversary was an opportunity to thank staff for their commitment to local patients and families.
“We are grateful for the incredible team we have here at Byron Central Hospital, whose dedication, compassion and commitment to excellence have shaped our service and made a lasting difference to the community we serve,” Sheehan said.
“I would particularly like to thank those members of staff who have worked with us for more than 20 years, whose exemplary care and incredible knowledge has paved the way for others to follow.”
Long-serving staff recognised during the celebrations included nurses, allied health workers and support staff who have dedicated between 30 and 50 years to healthcare in the region.
The celebrations also marked the launch of a new volunteer program, with community members invited to contribute their time and support to the hospital.
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