Countdown begins for Warialda MPS handover
3 February 2009
The anticipation has built to a crescendo for staff at Warialda, with the health service team eagerly awaiting the all-clear to move into the town’s brand new Multi Purpose Service (MPS).
The original handover date planned for the MPS was late November 2008, however, this was delayed after incorrect light fittings were installed throughout the MPS.
With the finishing touches now being applied to the facility, the official handover by contracted builders Hansen Yunkens is set to go-ahead on 23 February 2009.
Once Hunter New England Health is handed the keys on 23 February, the MPS will receive a final clean before staff can start relocating equipment, paperwork and patients. This will take about two weeks.
Some furniture and equipment has already been relocated to the new MPS, situated behind the original Warialda Community Hospital building which was established in 1895.
The new MPS will include an extensive range of Community Health services such as child and family health and community nursing. There will also be a range of visiting health workers specialising in areas such as nutrition, drug and alcohol and mental health.
It will also feature a 24-hour Emergency Department, diagnostic imaging (x-ray), 15 residential aged care beds, 10 acute care beds, a 24-hour Emergency Department, and a co-located Ambulance Service.
Warialda Health Service Manager Sharon Baker said both staff and residents were genuinely excited about the move.
“We are all very keen to move into the building and take advantage of the state-of-the-art inclusions and the fresh new surrounds. The unexpected delay in the opening date has meant staff and community members alike are particularly keen to see the MPS open and operating,” Ms Baker said.
The 1895 wing of Warialda Community Hospital is recognised as having historical significance to the community. In recognition of this, a one-room section of the front of the hospital will be retained, with an arch and some original sandstone blocks to be incorporated into the new MPS gardens.
Staff are currently hosting a fundraising event where members of the public have been invited to purchase a paver which can be engraved with the name of a family member or organisation, or in memory of a loved one. Standard pavers cost $25, or more depending on the size ordered.
“These pavers will then be incorporated into the courtyard area of the new MPS building, with a portion of the purchase cost to be donated towards the helipad fund,” Ms Baker said.
“Orders are still being taken for the pavers. Please feel free to drop into the hospital to see the display which situated in the front foyer, and where orders can also be placed.”
(HNE-1723)
Contact: Carisa Green
Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183