A joint investment in Albury Base Hospital's redevelopment has raised concerns about site stability. 

The governments of New South Wales and Victoria have unveiled a $558 million plan for the redevelopment of Albury Base Hospital to serve the Albury-Wodonga region. 

The announcement was made during a joint visit by NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to the hospital. 

The commitment follows calls from healthcare workers and the community for urgent action. The redevelopment is set to encompass the first three stages of a five-point master plan developed by Albury Wodonga Health.

The new facility will consolidate all services at a state-of-the-art site in Albury, eliminating the need for patients to travel between the twin towns for different treatments. 

The hospital will remain operational during construction as services from the Wodonga campus are transferred. 

The project includes the construction of a new clinical services building, operating theatres, a helipad with direct access to the intensive care unit, and a 32-bed mental health ward. 

The redevelopment is also expected to create 1,000 jobs, commencing in 2024 and concluding by 2027.

Notably, the Victorian opposition has pledged $300 million towards the hospital's redevelopment if elected in November. 

However, concerns have been raised about the site's stability, with reports of shifting foundations that have damaged parts of the hospital. 

A risk assessment from as early as 2020 recommended major repairs within 12 months. 

The Border Medical Association has expressed “serious concerns” for patient safety due to the hospital's ageing infrastructure and called for more thorough assessments before announcing the redevelopment. 

The stability of the site and the new master plan have also come under scrutiny.

Despite these concerns, a spokesperson for Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) has stated that the buildings were structurally safe, and the redevelopment project aims to enhance healthcare facilities in the region. 

The uncertainty surrounding the hospital's infrastructure and constant pressure on staff has led to low morale and concerns that the community's needs may outpace the services offered.