Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is taking further measures to ensure community members and landowners hosting renewable energy infrastructure projects are actively supported, by expanding the functions of the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW.

For the first time, the Ombudsman will provide impartial information and an external dispute resolution service to landholders and community members impacted by new major renewable energy transmission infrastructure and renewable energy infrastructure projects which will deliver more affordable and reliable power across NSW.

$1.3 million in grant funding from the NSW Government will improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in addressing complaints by individual community members or landowners hosting renewable energy generation and transmission projects.

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW will provide a ‘no wrong door’ referral service for residents, connecting them with the most appropriate channels to address their complaints where they fall outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.

The service will also provide an investigation and resolution process for residents dissatisfied with how their complaints are handled by the relevant transmission and renewable energy entities.

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW will actively engage with residents to understand their concerns and identify any widespread issues requiring action.

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW was established in 1998 as the NSW Government-approved dispute resolution scheme for electricity and gas customers, and some water customers. The external dispute resolution scheme operates independent of Government and industry.

The new services will be rolled out by the NSW Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW from December.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“We have listened to communities and understand that better engagement and support is needed for communities hosting renewable energy infrastructure.

“The investment in expanding this dedicated complaint handling function proves our commitment to a fair and transparent energy sector.

“Residents will no longer have to navigate a maze of agencies. The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW will connect them with the right people to have concerns investigated and addressed.”

Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW, Janine Young:

“The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW is the established, trusted and independent dispute resolution scheme for NSW energy and water customers. We resolved more than 28,000 energy and water complaints last year.

“This isn’t new territory for us. We already handle complaints about existing energy transmission and distribution infrastructure, so we’re well placed to expand into managing complaints and disputes regarding new network and renewable energy infrastructure projects.

“The renewable energy sector is developing rapidly, and customers need a free and impartial Ombudsman scheme to help them navigate the energy transition.”

The Minns Labor Government is pressing ahead with building a better Budgewoi transport network with a $6 million investment to improve Scenic Drive.

More than 16,000 motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and bus passengers who use the road daily will benefit from safety and access improvements to be delivered along the section of Scenic Drive between Wills Road and Ourringo Street.

Safety improvements at intersections along Scenic Drive will be a key focus of the upgrades which will help make it easier for people to access Halekulani Oval, the skate park and Budgewoi West Village.

Potential solutions include:

• enhanced accessibility of bus stop facilities
• additional pedestrian refuges along the corridor
• upgrades to existing active transport infrastructure around Budgewoi Bridge
• adjusting the Budgewoi West Village car park entry location at Noela Place intersection
• traffic slowing measures at the Alawai Avenue intersection and
• replacement of the existing pedestrian refuge adjacent Budgewoi West Village with a signalised pedestrian crossing.

To help Transport for NSW determine what improvements should be prioritised to best meet community needs, Budgewoi locals are being invited to share their improvement ideas by:

• completing a survey online at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/scenicdr
• emailing feedback to CentralCoastProjects@transport.nsw.gov.au or
• mailing feedback to Transport for NSW via Locked Bag 2030, Newcastle NSW 2300.

The feedback period ends on 13 November and Transport for NSW expects to share final improvement plans with the community in 2025.

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“We want these changes to help create a vibrant centre for Budgewoi with a high-quality transport network, so we’ll be looking at design options that improve the amenity of the local street environment.

“Feedback from residents and other stakeholders is encouraged during this early stage of project development and it will help Transport for NSW get the final plans right so the whole community benefits.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Thanks to strong advocacy from Yasmin Catley and David Harris, projects like the better Budgewoi transport network are being delivered by the Minns Labor Government.

“I encourage community members to share their ideas and help decide what the final set of upgrades look like for Budgewoi.”

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“We’ve long advocated for changes to the Budgewoi transport network, and now the first steps are finally being taken to improve transport for people on the Central Coast.

“While it’s great to have community facilities, it’s crucial that they’re accessible to locals – a priority that has been overlooked in the past.

“Locals know their community best, so I encourage everyone to share their thoughts and have their say.”

The NSW Opposition’s Shadow Cabinet will today meet with key stakeholders across Western Sydney, including small businesses, faith-based organisations, community leaders, and local government representatives in Penrith— the territory of champions – at its Shadow Community Cabinet event.
 
The Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Western Sydney is the engine room of aspiration in New South Wales, and Penrith is at its heart.
 
“When Western Sydney thrives, the rest of the state benefits. We are here to ensure the Penrith area gets the support it deserves, so families, businesses and communities can succeed,” Mr Speakman said.
 
The former Coalition Government recognised the importance of quality healthcare in Western Sydney, including investing $1 billion in the Nepean Hospital redevelopment.
 
This vital investment delivered:
 

• A new cancer clinic providing life-saving treatments.
• Over 600 new parking spaces for easier access.
• A 14-storey hospital tower expanding critical care services.
• The Somerset Cottage Early Childhood Education and Care Centre.
• A modern pathology laboratory for faster, more reliable diagnoses.
• The Northern Road upgrade, a $4.1 billion joint project between the Federal and State Governments, has also laid the foundation for major growth ahead of the new Western Sydney Airport.

 
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Robyn Preston said projects like these wouldn’t have happened under the Minns Labor Government, which is cutting health infrastructure spending by over a third by 2027-28.
 
“This government lacks the urgency to deliver for Western Sydney. That’s why the Shadow Cabinet is here—to make sure the voices of Western Sydney are heard and acted upon,” Ms Preston said.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $75 million to build roads, parks, infrastructure and improved town centre access for more than 42,000 new homes across Western Sydney.

Special Infrastructure Contributions fund critical supporting infrastructure for homes such as state and regional roads, primary and secondary schools and emergency, health and bus services.

For more than a decade, fast-growing communities in Western Sydney have not received their fair share of infrastructure. Delivering on its commitment to support essential infrastructure for the communities taking the most housing, the Minns Labor Government is delivering new grant funding to help build better communities.

The $75 million in round 6 of the Special Infrastructure Contribution grant funding targets councils in specific local government areas in the Western Sydney Growth Centres such as Blacktown, Camden, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, The Hills and Liverpool.

The grant funding aligns with the National Housing Accord target of 377,000 new, well-located homes across NSW by 2029.

Previous grant rounds have supported long-awaited projects for growing communities, including:

• More than $34 million toward the Memorial Avenue Road Upgrade at Kellyville in North West Sydney, which is currently underway.
• More than $20 million toward the new Edmondson Park primary and high schools. Approvals have now been received for the high school, with construction set to get underway in the near future.

The key driver of these projects has been the significant population growth experienced by Western Sydney, which has not been matched by the infrastructure these communities need.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a better NSW with more homes, paired with vital infrastructure, as we take action to address the housing crisis.

This grant is also open to state agencies including Communities and Justice, Education, Transport for NSW, NSW Health, NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Planning Ministerial Corporation.

The grant funding for the Special Infrastructure Contributions $75 million Round 6 will open for nominations at 9am on Friday 18 October and close midnight on Monday 16 December 2024.

The Special Infrastructure Contributions will continue to apply until 30 June 2026 when the Housing and Productivity Contribution will apply to the current area of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

For more information visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plans-for-your-area/infrastructure-funding/special-infrastructure-contributions/western-sydney-growth-area-sic

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Western Sydney is one of the largest growth areas in our state but is lacking the infrastructure to support vibrant and well-connected communities.

“New roads, open spaces, active transport and town centre access will make housing across these six LGAs possible, especially in Blacktown and The Hills.

“Western Sydney was left behind by the previous government, we are not only building new homes but we are building the infrastructure to support better communities.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Government is committed to delivering new, well-located homes where they are needed most.

“In order to build a community, residents need access to a local school, connecting roads and critical services.

“This funding means supporting infrastructure is being delivered alongside new homes.”

The Far West region of NSW is experiencing a widespread electricity outage after severe thunderstorms on Thursday, 17 October.

This storm has had a devastating impact on power supplies to Broken Hill and towns throughout the Far West of NSW, including White Cliffs, Wilcannia and Menindee.

10,000 homes and businesses were initially left without electricity after transmission towers supplying electricity to the region were damaged.

A large-scale back-up generator has restored power to approximately 9,000 homes and businesses with an estimated 1,400 customers around Wilcannia, Menindee and White Cliffs still without power.

It’s expected that constructing temporary towers to restore the transmission line will take a number of weeks.

The NSW Government immediately activated an emergency response and is coordinating assistance across a number of emergency services and government agencies, as well as electricity companies, who are responding to this event:

• Multiple agencies are involved in transporting supplies including generators, fuel pods, cool rooms, lighting towers and Starlinks (satellite connections) to the area.
• The NSW Government is working with Transgrid and Essential Energy to safely manage impacts on communities.
• NSW Police is leading the coordination of support by government agencies and will manage the distribution of fuel supplies.
• RFS is establishing community hubs at RFS Brigade Stations in Menindee, Wilcannia and White Cliffs.
• SES units at Menindee and Wilcannia are open for community members to drop in and charge their devices and are deploying generators to local organisations.
• NSW Health is contacting vulnerable patients in areas impacted. Essential Energy is also making contact with registered Life Support customers who remain without power.
• NSW Telco Authority has deployed a Cell On Wheels and mobile radio assets to Menindee.
• NSW Department of Education has mobilised an Emergency Response Unit that is coordinating the delivery of generators from Sydney to schools in the Far West, with a priority for schools with students sitting the HSC and students with special needs.
• Transgrid and Essential Energy crews have completed their assessment of the damage and are now engineering the repair works and deploying small mobile generators in multiple locations.
• Customers, including Life Support customers, can contact Essential Energy on its outage line on 13 20 80 for support.

Community meetings will continue to take place over the coming days to keep everyone updated on progress and address any concerns.

The NSW Government encourages community members to follow the guidance of emergency service crews and asks travellers to the Far West of NSW avoid this area surrounding Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Menindee and White Cliffs unless absolutely necessary.

For the latest updates from Essential Energy visit: https://www.essentialenergy.com.au/outages-and-faults/Outage-Information-17-Oct-24.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“A serious thunderstorm has impacted thousands of properties across the Far West of NSW.

“While power has been restored to around 9,000 properties, there is still a significant amount of people who do not have electricity. 

“The NSW Government has activated an emergency response team working across all emergency services agencies to ensure the community gets access to the essentials they need.

“Contractors are also downing tools on other jobs to respond to this incident and energy providers and government teams are working around the clock to restore power to the region.”

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“The NSW Government is working closely with Transgrid and Essential Energy to restore power to homes and businesses in the far west.

“While generators have kicked in for many properties, I encourage those in the affected area to minimise their electricity usage specifically during the evening peak period (5:30pm to 10:30pm Australian Central Daylight Time).

“I encourage you to check in with your friends, family and neighbours and stay up to date with the latest information from NSW emergency services and Essential Energy.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“I want to thank volunteers and emergency responders who have moved quickly to supply generators and satellite communications where they are most needed and providing support for community members to drop in and charge devices.”

The south western Sydney community is being invited to tour the brand new Liverpool Hospital Integrated Services Building, as part of the Welcome All Cultures Community Open Day on tomorrow Saturday 19 October.

The purpose-built five-storey building, which will open to patients in just over a week on 28 October 2024, is the centrepiece of Phase 1 of the $830 million Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct redevelopment.

The new integrated services building features a new hospital public entrance on Goulburn Street, a new and expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 10 new birthing suites and a new centralised pathology department.

The open day, from 9.00am to 1.00pm, will celebrate Liverpool’s culturally diverse community and its involvement in the hospital’s redevelopment with First Nations and multicultural performances throughout the day.

There will also be community health stalls and children’s activities as well as the tours of the new hospital building.

The Community Open Day is a free event.

Bookings are essential for the tours of the new hospital building. Community members can book a tour online via the LHAP website at www.lhap.health.nsw.gov.au.

People can also call the LHAP office on 8738 6670 during office hours to book their place on a tour.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Earlier this month, I joined the Premier and Member for Liverpool to tour this state of the art hospital building and I am delighted the Liverpool community will also have the chance to see the impressive new hospital building before it opens to the public.

“The open day is offering tours of the new hospital building so the community has the chance to see its new features, before it opens to the public in the coming weeks.

“This is one of many exciting hospital projects we have underway and this $830 million redevelopment will transform the delivery of health care in Liverpool and surrounding communities like Fairfield, Cabramatta and Leppington.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda:

“Completion of this state of the art new facility is an exciting milestone for the hospital and community.

“Staff are excited to be moving into their new areas to provide care, after months of careful preparation and anticipation.

“I encourage community members to join in the tours on the open day so they can see how impressive this new hospital building is – it is such an incredible asset to Liverpool and our surrounding communities.”

Power supplies have been restored to communities in the Far West region of NSW using a large-scale back-up generator, but households and businesses are being urged to reduce their usage this evening to minimise demand.

The Far West region is relying on the generator while Transgrid constructs temporary towers to replace those damaged by a serious storm. This could take a number of weeks.

The large-scale back-up generator is not adequate to meet consumer demand at all times of the day, in particular during the evening peak from 5:30pm to 10:30pm (Australian Central Daylight time).

During this time, Essential Energy may need to rotate power between different areas for around two hours at a time. Essential Energy will prioritise Life Support Customers and priority loads such as Broken Hill Base Hospital.

The community in the impacted area can help by taking simple steps to minimise power use between 5:30pm and 10:30pm (Australian Central Daylight Time):

• Turn off any non-essential appliances.
• Use lights only in occupied rooms.
• If you are using air conditioning, consider raising the set point temperature to about 26 degrees and close all blinds, windows and doors.

Outside these times, the community should continue to use electricity as they normally would.

The impacted area incudes Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Wilcannia, Menindee, White Cliffs and several other surrounding communities.

The NSW Government has activated an emergency response and is coordinating assistance across a number of emergency services and government agencies, and is working with Transgrid and Essential Energy.

A NSW Rural Fire Service b-double truck which set off from Sydney loaded with supplies has now arrived in the Far West. The supplies include generators, fuel pods, cool rooms, lighting towers and Starlinks (satellite connections).

The NSW Government encourages community members to follow the guidance of emergency service crews and asks travellers to the Far West of NSW avoid the area surrounding Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Menindee and White Cliffs unless absolutely necessary.

For the latest updates from Essential Energy visit: https://www.essentialenergy.com.au/outages-and-faults/power-outages

Customers, including Life Support customers, can contact Essential Energy on its outage line on
13 20 80 for support.

For more information on ways to reduce your energy during this peak demand event visit https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/guides-and-helpful-advice-households/electricity-supply-disruptions

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“It’s positive news that power supplies have been restored to Broken Hill and nearby communities via a large-scale back-up generator. However, there is still a lot of work to be done to replace the transmission towers and repair the electricity network.

“I want to thank the Essential Energy and Transgrid workers who have worked tirelessly over the past two days to restore power.

“I also want to thank Perilya Mine for supplying load to the large-scale backup generator, which in turn, has provided security and stability to the Broken Hill grid and helped restore power to communities across the Far West.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“We are focused on restoring power to all homes and businesses in Broken Hill and towns across the region.

“We welcome the arrival of supplies including generators to support those on the ground.

“I encourage everyone in our community to please check in on your neighbours and relatives, especially those who are vulnerable, as we work through this situation.”

Lismore has been named host of the 2025 Rural Women’s Gathering at a candle lighting ceremony as part of the 2024 event in Harden Murrumburrah.

Tina Irish and Karen Hirst from Lismore City Council joined Minister for Women Jodie Harrison and the Harden Murrumburrah 2024 organising committee for the ceremony, accepting carriage of the 2025 event.

The NSW Government provides $30,000 for the Gathering as part of its commitment to empowering women and girls across regional, rural and remote NSW, including helping them build new connections and learn new skills to ensure they can reach their full potential and thrive.

The NSW Rural Women’s Gathering is an annual event held in a different location each year. 2024’s event in Harden Murrumburrah was themed “Sowing the Seeds of Success – Creating Your Own Work Life Balance”. The program – prepared by a organising committee made up of local volunteers – featured a range of enriching workshops, networking opportunities and cultural experiences.

Attendees heard from inspiring female leaders, including former Australian Olympian and two-time Athletics World Champion Jana Pittman; Founder of Womn-Kind and AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award 2024 NSW/ACT Finalist Ruby Reithmuller; and AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award 2022 VIC Winner Kimberley Furness, who is also a magazine publisher and podcaster.

Details for the 2025 Rural Women’s Gathering will be shared via the fortnightly Rural Women’s Network e-newsletter. To subscribe, visit nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/rural-womens-network

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to empowering women and girls across regional, rural and remote NSW to have full access to opportunities.

“We recognise that women in regional parts of NSW experience unique challenges living in remote locations. We also know women in these communities are doing extraordinary things.

“The Rural Women’s Gathering provides a great opportunity to share their experiences and, in turn, help other women to better support their communities.

“Thank you to our incredible 2024 hosts in Harden Murrumburrah for helping facilitate connection through friendship, mentorship, professional resources and services. I look forward to seeing the tradition continue next year in Lismore.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Thank you to the fabulous volunteers who coordinated and delivered a hugely successful 2024 Rural Women’s Gathering in Harden Murrumburrah – your local insights are absolutely invaluable, your dedication and commitment make this important annual event possible.

“The Rural Women’s Gathering links women to information and services, create opportunities to build personal and business resilience, allow us to promote action on rural women’s issues, and ultimately strengthen communities across NSW.

“After 31 years, the Gathering continues to be a key event on the NSW Rural Women’s Network calendar, enabling women from regional, rural and remote areas of NSW to connect, learn and celebrate.

“Each year, there’s a range of diverse speakers and workshops, all of whom bring something new and inspiring to share – and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lismore in 2025.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“I’m excited to have the Rural Women’s Gathering here. I think its fantastic because we have some great women right across our community.

“This is recognition that there’s a whole lot of women’s leadership here, particularly our rural women. They’re in everything, from the CWA, to the SES, to the RFS, to Zonta, we’ve got the lot.

“The Rural Women’s Gathering is a great opportunity to network and having it in Lismore means its easier for local women to take part.”

The NSW Government has approved the Albury to Illabo section of the 1,600-kilometre Inland Rail project between Brisbane and Melbourne.

The Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) project has now been formally approved by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully. The approval means the project remains on target for the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to begin construction in south-western NSW in early 2025.

The work will include upgrades to rail tracks, footbridges and road bridges, overhead structures, signal structures and level crossings on agricultural land and through Albury, Culcairn, Henty, Yerong Creek, The Rock, Uranquinty, Wagga Wagga and Junee.

The project’s approval, includes consent conditions that relate to traffic monitoring, transport infrastructure upgrades and noise and biodiversity management.

Following the completion of the Inland Rail, Australia’s regional freight capacity will be expanded, meaning less trucks on the road and lower freight industry emissions.

With a capital investment of $300.8 million for this section of the rail line, the project is a major economic boost for the region on top of the 770 new jobs provided by the project.

The Albury to Illabo connection is one of seven sections traversing the inland length of NSW and its approval comes weeks after the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces approved the Illabo to Stockinbingal Inland Rail project.

More information is available here: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/assess-and-regulate/state-significant-projects/inland-rail/albury-to-illabo

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Improved Inland Rail will enhance our national freight and supply chain capabilities by connecting and improving routes through rail, roads and ports.

“I look forward to seeing this critical state significant infrastructure project come to life over the next few years and the many benefits it will bring to regional NSW.

“This project has gone through a rigorous planning process with extensive consultation completed to minimise impacts and maximise the project’s opportunities.”

Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Inland Rail promises to be a game changer for people across rural NSW.

“Regional communities need big developments to keep workers in the bush actively contributing to their communities, with this project providing 770 new jobs.

“We are proud that NSW continues to help Inland Rail’s essential journey through Australia’s three eastern states.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This section of Inland Rail will provide a valuable infrastructure link for the Murray region as it connects with this vital piece of national infrastructure.

“The NSW Government is working with Inland Rail to deliver this project and strengthen its commitment to the regions.

“Consumers right across regional NSW stand to benefit with valuable cost savings once the Inland Rail project is complete as our state will have a more efficient and sustainable freight transport.

“The Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes sections of the Inland Rail project have already injected more than $4.2 million across these local economies with many businesses receiving a timely economic boost during a cost-of-living crisis.”

Women experiencing severe or complex menopause symptoms now have improved access to additional support following the establishment of Western NSW Local Health District’s (WNSWLHD) new menopause referral service.

WNSWLHD’s new Specialised Menopause Referral Service aims to provide assistance and support for women whose symptoms have not responded to previous treatments, or those women who face additional complications from other medical conditions.

The new service has been established as part of NSW Health’s menopause network, which has four hubs and multiple referral sites across the state and is networked with the South-Western Sydney LHD hub.

General practitioners, specialists and nurse practitioners are able to refer women to the service for advanced care.

Care Coordinators will assist with triage and navigate care locally, supporting the medically-led, multi-disciplinary hub team of nursing and allied health professionals to provide holistic support.

The WNSWLHD Specialised Menopause Referral Service will deliver care using a hybrid approach, with a largely virtual service coupled with face-to-face consultations when they are required.

More information is available here

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“I’m pleased to announce this service has been launched today on World Menopause Day today, to improve menopause care and support options available for local women.

“This Specialised Menopause Referral Service will promote flexibility and choice in the way women in Western NSW access support to manage severe menopause symptoms, and by improving access locally this service will significantly reduce the need to travel for this important care.

“Up to one in four women endure severe and debilitating menopause symptoms, which is why services like this one are so important.

“By continuing to break down barriers like geographic isolation through effective use of virtual care technology, this service will help us continue to improve health outcomes.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

“Menopause will affect most women at some stage of their life.

“This new menopause referral service will provide much needed support to women in regional areas who experience complex menopausal symptoms and can provide advice about associated health risks of menopause.

“On this World Menopause Day, I also encourage women to speak up – you don’t have to suffer in silence. There is support available from your GP and specialists. The Menopause Toolkit can help you understand a bit more about perimenopause and menopause symptoms, and the care available.”

Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty:

“Every woman is different, and every woman experiences different symptoms of menopause. But many women experiencing severe or complex symptoms will endure in silence which can seriously impact their health and wellbeing.

“That’s why enhancements like this are so important, this service is eye-opening and will be potentially life-changing for many women in Western NSW, which is home to some of our state’s most remote and most vulnerable populations.”

WNSWLHD Senior Manager Women’s Health and Violence Prevention Nicolla Giddings:

“Severe symptoms of menopause don’t discriminate, and our new Specialised Menopause Referral Service aims to help local women access the support they need as close to home as possible.

“Being an inclusive service and providing reliable access to advanced care for people living in rural areas of our District is at the forefront of this new service, to also increase the comfort levels of women while they receive care.”