He has admitted that there are “both challenges and opportunities” that will arise during transition, but has urged the union to work with management and “be positive about the community’s wonderful new hospital”.

Mr Constance said he had been assured by management and the Local Health District that funding was adequate and that staff had been and continue to be recruited for the hospital as services come online or the need arises. 

“We have seen an influx of patients through the new doors, which was to be expected with opening of a new hospital and we will continue to see new services commence,” Mr Constance said.

“We have a wonderful $187 million hospital serving our region and beyond, we don't have a glass ball to predict the patient influx and I give full credit and commend our front line staff for their commitment to patients during this commencement phase.

“I am advised that we have seen an additional 57 staff recruited at the facility, including 22 nursing positions.”

Mr Constance said that specialised positions may take time to fill with appropriately qualified people and asked people to remember that transitioning the hospital wasn’t easy and there would be teething problems.

He added that two new security guards and another radiographer have started and that interviews were being conducted for various other positions.

“The HSU are quick to lay blame but are not being overly proactive in resolving the apparent issues effectively,” Mr Constance said.

“I would like to make clear that my doors are always open, if the HSU, its delegates, members or any staff feel they have a legitimate and genuine concern then come and speak to me. 

“Over the next three years, the NSW government will commit in excess of the building cost to run SERH,” Mr Constance said.