What goes up must come down
The newly refurbished lift at Muswellbrook District Health Service is expected to re-open on Monday 15 October.
The refurbishment work has been completed ahead of schedule, which will allow patient, visitor and staff flow to return to normal at the health service sooner than expected.
All main entrance points will revert to normal operation, with the Brentwood Street entrance now open to the general public.
People coming to the Emergency Department should use the front entrance.
Acting Upper Hunter Cluster General Manager Dr Debbie Jaggers thanked patients and the community for their understanding over the refurbishment period.
“The cooperation from the community has been fantastic and the alternative access points operated quite smoothly during this process.
“Hunter New England Health worked with the Muswellbrook Shire Council as well as the NSW Ambulance Association to ensure services continued to operate smoothly during the refurbishment.
“We are appreciative to the local community for their support and understanding over the last couple of months,” Dr Jaggers said.
The main elevator is the central hub for the hospital, connecting visitors and staff with the Emergency Department and wards on the first floor, second floor clinic rooms, administration offices and soon to be completed chemotherapy unit.
The refurbishment, which includes upgrades to the mechanics and electronics of the lift also brings the interior in line with modern standards.
The upgrades have made the lift faster and more reliable and it now meets the classification requirements for an Emergency Lift which means the fire brigade can access and use the elevator for building access in the event of an emergency.
New signage will be in place to clarify entrances, parking and access points to the hospital.
Chemotherapy clients may continue to use the temporary Brecht Street access point until the unit refurbishment is complete.
It is anticipated the Chemotherapy Unit refurbishment will be completed by early November.
Contact: Nicole Fuller
Phone: (02) 6767 7136