Director of clinical operations with Greater Southern Area Health Service Dr Joe McGirr deputised for the organisation’s chief Heather Gray at a function to thank staff of the former base hospital after she was unable to attend because of illness.

For Dr McGirr it was the culmination of his involvement in discussions related to cross-border health over more than 10 years.

“The success of the service has got to be judged by the care we give our patients and the idea of integration is that the care will get better.”

Albury hospital site manager Catherine O’Connell said it was a unique day.

“It is an amazing thing for an organisation to be 150 years old. This is a milestone for change,” she said.

“The change is about adapting to community need.”

Ms O’Connell, who grew up in Albury and returned to the city three years ago to take up her role, was impressed with the hospital staff’s commitment in serving their patients and the community.

Ms O’Connell said community members with questions about how the new service would operate could contact her at Albury hospital on (02) 6058 4444.