A hospital upgrade on the NSW-Victorian border won't solve the problem of split services across twin-cities and construction will pressure an already stretched health service, doctors say.
The NSW and Victorian governments announced plans for a $500 million plus upgrade to focus acute clinical services at the NSW's Albury Base Hospital.
But the ongoing role of the neighbouring Wodonga Hospital remains to be determined.
Hospital services in the twin cities are split across two campuses, meaning doctors and patients often have to travel back and fourth in time-critical situations.
"You can't be in two places at once, and that just adds to clinical risk," Border Medical Association Secretary Phillip Steele told AAP.
Mr Steele applauded the co-operation between the state governments but noted the redevelopment could encumber service provision at the already stretched hospital.
"Our concern is that this will be a long drawn out process with the need to continue to provide clinical services on a construction site for a long period of time," he said.
The preference of the medical association, local councils and local health service Albury Wodonga Health, had been for a new, single-campus hospital on a greenfield site in either Albury or Wodonga.
"That was a preferred option," Albury Wodonga Health chair Matt Burke told reporters on Thursday.
"At the end of the day, we really need to get on with the job over here."
NSW and Victorian state governments said the upgrade was advised as the best option by each state's health teams.
Wodonga Mayor Kev Poulton said residents needed better consultation and an assurance that services - notably emergency care - would continue to be provided south of the border.
"Residents deserve an explanation as to why a decision was made to redevelop an existing hospital that's already operating near capacity," Mr Poulton said.
Mr Poulton said a new, purpose-built hospital on a greenfield site would provide the best long term care to residents of both border cities.
Albury Mayor Kylie King said both campuses would need to continue to operate during redevelopment.
"We will work with our community and Albury Wodonga Health to redevelop the Wodonga campus into a facility that will meet the needs of the regional community," Ms King said.
