Sod-turning marks Merriwa MPS construction

The anticipated construction phase of Merriwa Multi Purpose Service (MPS) was marked today with the turning of the first sod of earth at the Upper Hunter site.

The Multi Purpose Health Service will combine State Government-funded acute and community health care services and Commonwealth-funded aged care all under the one roof and managed by Hunter New England Health.

Hunter New England Health Chief Executive Terry Clout joined State Member for the Upper Hunter George Souris, health service staff and members of the local community to mark the occasion.

“The move to a Multi Purpose Service for the Merriwa region marks a new era of care for our communities in which patient care and the patient journey is an integrated process, combining hospital services with allied health and community services,” Mr Clout said.

“The focus of heath care in the 21st century is shifting toward a focus on integrated service provision at a range of sites, including MPS facilities, community facilities, and in-home care,” he said.

The MPS facility will feature an emergency department, a range of primary and community health services, residential aged care beds, acute care beds, ambulance facilities and administration and support services.

State Member for the Upper Hunter George Souris said the new facility showed the NSW Government’s commitment to improving health services for people in rural communities.

“The Merriwa Multi Purpose Service being developed will provide local people with state-of-the-art facilities,” he said.

“The MPS concept represents a partnership between the Commonwealth and State Governments to deliver first class health and aged care resources for the community through a more efficient approach to primary and integrated health care services,” Mr Souris said.

The development is part of the NSW Health Rural Hospital and Health Services Program, and will be undertaken in two stages.

It is expected stage one will take approximately 30 weeks. This phase involves closing half the existing hospital building for the construction of the Aged Care section, Emergency Department, x-ray and Nurse’s Station.

Community members can view the plans for Merriwa MPS in the window of Max’s Butcher shop, Bettington Street, Merriwa.

Additionally, Towards Merriwa MPS, a regular newsletter will be distributed among key public outlets to keep the community informed of the construction process.

Contact: Nicole Fuller

Phone: (02) 6767 7136