Getting the full picture on the $60 million Inverell Hospital redevelopment yesterday, Inverell Shire Deputy Mayor Anthony Michael, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Mayor Paul Harmon and hospital advocate Bob Bensley.
Wednesday, 27 February 2019
$60 million project will make most of ‘old’ hospital
WITH work on the $60 million redevelopment of the Inverell District Hospital setting a cracking pace seven months on from the first sod of soil being turned, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall yesterday revealed plans showing for the first time how the original hospital will be refurbished and repurposed as part of the overall project.
Joined by local Councillors, health service staff, project managers and community members, Mr Marshall unveiled the schematic plans detailing the total project.
The $60 million Inverell Hospital Redevelopment involves the construction of a new hospital building at the rear of the existing hospital and refurbishment of the existing hospital buildings for ambulatory care and community health functions. The new and the old hospitals will be linked, providing one modern primary and allied health precinct for Inverell.
The new healthcare facility will deliver services to meet the region’s healthcare needs.
“I am pleased to launch the schematic design for the refurbishment component of the Inverell Hospital Redevelopment,” Mr Marshall said.
“Following my announcement in June 2018 that the redevelopment would receive a further $30 million in funding for refurbishment of the existing hospital for ambulatory and community health services, the project team is now ready to share the refurbishment plans.
“This also provides a good chance to review the progress here on the ground and I think we can all agree the speed at which the new structures are growing is pretty impressive.
“Once this new build is completed and services moved across, the existing hospital will be gutted and totally refurbished so that services such as allied health, community health, chronic disease management and mental health services can be delivered in a more contemporary environment.
“This will ensure that this community has one of the best primary and allied health precincts in country NSW – all under the one roof – that will meet the health needs of Inverell for dancers to come.”
The Inverell community have the chance to view the refurbishment plans for the ambulatory and community health services at the upcoming drop-in and information sessions at the Inverell Town Hall annex today.
If you are unable to attend the sessions, a project information board is located in the hospital main entry area, and general information is available on the Hunter New England Health website at www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au/Our-building-projects/Pages/Inverell-Hospital-Redevelopment.aspx
The redeveloped Inverell Health Service will deliver expanded health care services and facilities to the community, including:
o New Emergency Department including emergency care for children and mental health-related presentations
o New 38-bed Inpatient Unit including:
Paediatric facilities
Maternity and birthing facilities
General adult services including palliative care
o New Medical Imaging Department (including identified future expansion zone)
o New Operating Theatres
o New Central Sterilising Unit
o New Day Surgery Unit (increase of 1 space to 6)
o New Renal Dialysis Unit (increase of 2 chairs to 8)
o New main entry and admissions area
o New Mortuary
Services provided from Sage 2 will include adult ambulatory care, mental health, women’s and children’s, dental clinic, chronic disease treatment programs and allied health.