THE $40 million expansion of Bombala Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) aged care unit has begun and is expected to be complete by mid 2027.

Director of nursing, Jacki Ross, told the annual forum of the South East Zone of the United Hospital Auxilliaries (UHA) in Bombala that architects had started preliminary designs for extra aged care beds and three key worker accommodation units funded by the state and federal governments.

“We are hoping the plans will be ready for consultation by the community and stakeholders by the middle of the year,” she said.

“Then, we expect that the works will be completed by mid 2027.”

The expansion of Bombala MPS, known locally as the Bombala hospital, will increase the number of residential aged care beds by 20 to a total of 30, returning the bed numbers to levels prior to the closure of Currawarna as a nursing home a few years ago.

The facility also has eight acute care beds, plus an emergency department and serves the Bombala population of 1500 and surrounding areas.

A medical centre operates out of the building, providing general practitioner services.

“The staff are very excited about the expansion and can’t wait to see it unfold,” Ms Ross said.

Bombala UHA president, Marjori Feilon, said the organisation was looking forward to the expansion and would continue to support it.

The local UHA branch has provided equipment for the MPS including ECG, falls equipment, an education manniquin, a mobile bath, lifts, curtains and a garden, just to name some.

Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, said she had been proud to secure $25 million in federal funding, together with $15 million from Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, and the NSW Government, to support expanding the Bombala Multi-Purpose Service.

“This will increase the number of residential aged care beds at the MPS, significantly boosting access to high-quality aged care services in the Monaro region – something our community has long called for,” she said.

“This project will also deliver staff accommodation, to help attract and retain more health workers to this region.

“Design work continues to progress, and I will keep the community updated as it’s finalised.”