Just one week remains until Inverell District Hospital will be ready for service.
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Stage One in the redevelopment process is finally complete, all set for action 20 months after the initial sod turning.
The "state-of-the-art" acute services building, part of the $60 million redevelopment on Moore Street, includes a new emergency department, a 38-bed inpatient unit including paediatric facilities, maternity and birthing facilities, and other general services like palliative care.
Years of community campaigning have finally paid off, local MP Adam Marshall said.
Contractor Richard Crookes Construction has now laid down their tools and handed the building over to Hunter New England Health (HNEH).
"This is a momentous occasion for the people of Inverell," Mr Marshall said.
To minimise patient and service disruption, there will be a staged transition into the facility, after the final operational commissioning tests are undertaken.
It is expected the new hospital will be ready by May 25.
Stage Two of the redevelopment will entail the refurbishment of the old hospital building, which will be underway "shortly after the building is vacated and decommissioned."
"We are only at the half-way mark in this community transforming project," Mr Marshall said.
The revamped building will host the Community Health and ambulatory care services.
In relation to the all-important and hard fought for Computed Tomography room (CT room) in the new hospital, it will be delivered in conjunction with the refurbishment.
- Adam Marshall
"In relation to the all-important and hard fought for Computed Tomography room (CT room) in the new hospital, it will be delivered in conjunction with the refurbishment," Mr Marshall added.
Inverell's Community Health services will remain in its current location off Swanbrook Road until the refurbishment is complete in 2021.
Mr Marshall said the public won't have to wait long before they can take a look inside the new hospital building.
"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Richard Crookes Construction, Health Infrastructure, HNEH and the many local medical staff and community representatives who have pulled together over many years to make this dream come true," Mr Marshall said.
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"Not only has Inverell been delivered a top class, functional hospital which will service the needs of its residents for many years to come, but it now has a facility which will cement its position as a leader for rural and remote health."
The new building offers an internal play area for children, a state of the art birthing room, medical imaging including X-ray and OPG, with CT set to come on-line at a later date.
There is also expanded day surgery spaces, increased capacity for renal dialysis, and additional operating theatre.
The final touches include artwork and signage designed specifically for Inverell with community involvement, alongside an improved kiosk and waiting area.