THE Murrurundi Hospital Redevelopment moved another step forward this week with the awarding of the construction contract to J. Hutchinson Pty. Ltd.
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The project is expected to deliver a new building, which will expand and improve existing services and include an inpatient facility, 24-hour-a-day emergency service, primary and ambulatory care amenities, an ambulance bay and staff accommodation.
"The expansion will ensure Murrurundi Wilson Memorial Hospital continues to meet the community's needs into the future," Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said.
"Within the new building, the inpatient unit will include four single rooms with private ensuites and a four-bed ward that can be used as a flexible space.
"The facility will be multifunctional through the use of 'Telehealth' video conferencing to other health facilities.
"And, the new activities room can be used for outreach services and clinical interventions according to service demands in the Murrurundi area.
"Opportunities are being explored to appropriately honour the history of the existing hospital with the community, and incorporate existing building components into the new build.
"The foundation stone, plaques and the time capsule will be preserved.
"But, also some salvaged building materials such as bricks will be incorporated into the landscaping of the new courtyard.
"Some will be offered to the community for reuse, too."
The services and design of the Murrurundi Hospital Redevelopment project have been based on the Murrurundi Clinical Services Plan developed by Hunter New England Local Health District and enhanced by community and local clinician feedback.
J. Hutchinson Pty. Ltd. (trading as Hutchinson Builders and more commonly known as Hutchies) are familiar with health redevelopments as they are currently building the Mudgee and Cobar health services.
Site establishment will start shortly with main works on the new hospital site to officially begin early in 2020.
The project is forecast to be complete in 2021.
"The Murrurundi Hospital Redevelopment is part of the $304 million Stage 5 Multipurpose Service Program for facilities across rural and remote NSW," Mr Johnsen said.
"So, the Murrurundi Wilson Memorial Hospital will continue to operate as a hospital - and, more importantly, retain its name."
Further information on the redevelopment project is available at www.mps.health.nsw.gov.au/Projects/ Murrurundi