The project, worth about $900,000, involved an extension into the old ambulance waiting bay to accommodate a new separate paediatric bed space, one acute care bed space, two open bay bed spaces and a new resuscitation area.

The bulk of the work was funded from the philanthropy of Tom and Rose Pearce who bequeathed $508,000 to the hospital before they died seven years ago on the proviso it improved ED treatment.

The Minister for Health Jillian Skinner took a tour through the facility on Tuesday.

“It’s got all the equipment you would expect newly renovated country hospital,” she said.

Among the innovations built into the new ward are web cams. This will enable doctors to discuss treatments with their peers at the John Hunter Hospital.

“This always was a good hospital and it’s even better now,” Ms Skinner said.

She noted the Tomaree Peninsula’s ageing population and the uptake of GP services recently improved on the hospital’s grounds.

Ms Skinner said this worked hand-in-hand with the hospitals other services.

“This is the perfect model for a hospital in a community like this,” she said.

Mike Pearce, along with his wife Wanda, represented the family at the hospital on Tuesday.

“Mum and Dad would be really happy with how their money has been spent,” Mr Pearce said.

“The minister is doing well but we’d like to see more of her here and with a lot more government money.”

Mr Pearce praised services manager Gary Spain for his instrumental role.

“He kept us informed all the way through and he’s had a big influence on the end result,” he said.