Forward planning for Narrabri District Health Service
Representatives from Hunter New England Health met with members of the community and staff from Narrabri District Health Service last night to discuss the future of Narrabri District Health Service.
Planning is well underway for a new hospital, following the allocation of $1.6 million in funding for the next stage of health service planning from the recent NSW 2007/08 State Budget.
Health planners have gathered information about the services needed in the new hospital and the best combination of services for local people as part of the Service Procurement Plan which was approved by NSW Health last month.
Senior Facility Planner for Hunter New England Health Jennina Porter said a competitive process for the appointment of consultants to implement the plan had recently been undertaken.
“Tender applications have closed for the project manager role and design team.
“The project manager will be responsible for the design and documentation of the new facility plans.
“Essentially, they are appointed to procure the design and construction of the building,” Ms Porter said.
The design team will consist of architects and engineers who will design the new facility.
“Once appointed, principle design consultants will work with Hunter New England Health to develop and design a modern, relevant facility for health service delivery to the community of Narrabri and surrounding areas,” Ms Porter said.
“They will work with clinicians and management on room design and fit-out, in accordance with NSW Health requirements.”
To date, all of the initial planning has been undertaken in partnership with Project Director Planning Lindsay Kelly and Associates.
The Department of Planning will approve the development, including any heritage requirements related to the existing building.
The new facility will maintain existing hospital services in a state-of-the-art purpose-built building.
“Improvements to Narrabri District Health Service have been a priority for Hunter New England Health for some time now, with a series of interim works undertaken over the past several years, including the upgrade of fire services and the recently upgraded and relocated Emergency Department.
“The commitment and detail involved in the planning of this project will ensure the longevity of modern, first class health care for the people of Narrabri and surrounding communities,” Ms Porter said.
Contact: Nicole Fuller
Phone: (02) 6767 7136 or 0408 665 019