Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said patients from the district and the wider Hunter Valley will now have greatly improved access to healthcare in a more connected, user-friendly environment. 

“Staff are moving in to service our local Singleton community, and these upgrades include new and refurbished clinical areas, over two levels, include renal dialysis, community health, specialist clinics, pathology and imaging services,” he said.

“These important upgrades replace outdated demountable buildings and an old brick cottage, which previously required patients to leave the hospital building for some services including CT scan, ultrasound and mammography.

“The front entry to the hospital has been redesigned for ease-of-use with enhanced disability access. 

“A centralised reception and waiting area on each floor will make the hospital much easier to navigate for patients and families, and a new lift provides an important backup for the single lift that previously serviced the entire hospital.

“The new renal dialysis unit has two additional dialysis chairs and an isolation room to cater for current and future demand.”

Joining with chief executive Michael DiRienzo (HNE Health), executive director rural and regional health Susan Heyman Singleton Hospital health service manager Wendy Mason-Jones, Mr Johnsen said the Rural Minor works program provided an additional $450,000 to complete the extension and refurbish existing imaging services.

“As a member of the government I am delighted that we have been able to deliver this important upgrade to our local Singleton Hospital,” he said.

“Work will be ongoing at the site to demolish the old community health building to make way for the new car park, which is expected to be complete mid-2018.”