Design for new Manilla MPS HealthOne on show

18 August 2009

The fresh new design of the combined Manilla Multi Purpose Service (MPS) and Manilla HealthOne facility is now complete and on show to the public.

The new facility will combine a range of services - from maternity and birthing facilities, emergency care, community health and GP services, to better cater to the needs of the community into the future.

Manilla Health Service Manager Tim Whyte said the design includes a range of features to provide better patient care in a more ambient surrounding.

“The health architect has designed a modern facility that includes updated rooms for existing services, such as a new two-bay emergency department and new birthing suites, as well as space for new services to be introduced to Manilla into the future,” Mr Whyte said.

“The HealthOne facility will bring GP consultation rooms and community health services together in the one area.”

The new Manilla MPS will include:

• 12 acute beds
• 20 residential care beds
• One new birthing suite and rooms for antenatal and postnatal services
• New two-bay emergency department, complete with a more private entrance
• A new front entrance with a covered drop-off point and new carpark
• Secure sensory garden for rehabilitation patients
• A large, secure, central landscaped courtyard

The HealthOne Manilla component will include:
• Clinic rooms for Manilla GPs and other Visiting Medical Specialists
• Treatment rooms and work areas for community health
• Consultation rooms for other health professionals

“The new design will also complement the bush surrounds of the hospital, including a colour scheme of greens and greys and natural-looking building materials,” Mr Whyte said.

“We will retain as many of the trees on the site as possible and preserve plants in the cottage garden to be used in the garden of the new facility.”

Manilla Local Health Advisory Council (LHAC) Chairman Dick Hagan said it was pleasing that Manilla residents could now view the design.

“The planning process has been moving along steadily, but this is a reminder to the community that work is progressing and that we will soon be at the building phase of the project,” Mr Hagan said.

Tenders for the construction of the new facility are expected to be called before the end of the year with construction to commence in 2010, once the plan is fully approved by the Department of Planning.

Plans can be viewed at Manilla Health Service, or at the Tamworth Regional Council buildings in Peel St, Tamworth and at the Council’s Manilla office at 210 Manilla St, Manilla.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767