Gunnedah hospital clinical services plan to be discussed at upcoming meeting

The CSP has been kept under wraps throughout the time it's taken to put it together, and there hasn't been any confirmations on what services will be included.

A meeting between key stakeholders is set to change this.

Hunter New England Health (HNEH) chief executive Michael DiRienzo said this would happen in "April or early May" where they would go over the "plan highlights and outline the next steps in the redevelopment process".

"We often take the opportunity to re-engage stakeholders, particularly staff, organisations and individuals who have contributed to the planning process, to discuss the key points as documented in the clinical services plan," he said.

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Mr DiRienzo said the reason why no one had seen the plan was because until it was endorsed, "we are unable to share details about the plan or the recommendations for future service delivery".

"There will be many other opportunities for staff, clinicians and the wider Gunnedah community to have input on shaping the redevelopment of the Gunnedah hospital as the project progresses," he told the Leader.

It comes after it was announced that the doors to the upgraded facility wouldn't open until 2025, with construction itself not starting until 2023.

Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey said last week that renal and chemotherapy services were being "considered" for the new hospital.

He is in support of the upcoming meeting.

"They will come together and have those discussions and provide some feedback to HNEH, because that's critical too," he said.

"It was great there will be a commitment from HNEH for that in Gunnedah."

Mr DiRienzo said HNEH planned to provide information to the wider community in Gunnedah sometime in the future.

This would include "information about the clinical services plan, how it will shape future services and the next steps for the redevelopment of Gunnedah Hospital".

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