Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the turning of the first sod marked a significant milestone in delivering the new health service.
“The Wentworth community will really benefit from a new health facility, which will deliver enhanced health services in a culturally welcoming and patient-focused environment,” Mr Park said.
“It will be built on the existing hospital site and raised above the existing flood levee to provide all inpatient rooms with views overlooking the Darling River.
“We’re enhancing Community Health Services, the inpatient unit and introducing an Urgent Care Centre for the residents of Wentworth and the surrounding communities.
“An upgrade to the 80-year-old facility is needed, and this will ensure we can continue to meet the health needs of the community well into the future.”
NSW Health Infrastructure Executive Director Rural and Regional, Amanda Bock, said the new hospital will replace the current facility which is over 80 years old.
“The new Wentworth Health Service will be equipped with the latest, fit-for-purpose facilities, including dedicated staff areas so they can continue to provide high-quality care to the Wentworth community,” Ms Bock said.
The new Wentworth Health Service includes:
• A 19-bed Inpatient Unit
• Primary Ambulatory Care (Community Health Services)
• A new Urgent Care Centre
• A light-filled family and dining room
• A palliative care suite, which includes an inpatient room with a private terrace and an adjacent family lounge with views to the river
• A dedicated space for families, which opens to a central, shared courtyard
• A gym with access to outdoor courtyard
• Outdoor spaces and landscaping, including a Yarning Circle and native plants.
The redevelopment will provide a significant boost to the local economy and is estimated to support approximately 50 direct jobs during construction, with the potential for supporting many more indirect jobs over the life of the project.
Member for Murray Helen Dalton welcomed the start of construction on the new Wentworth Hospital.
“The Wentworth community deserves access to high quality health services, and I am very pleased this development is underway,” Ms Dalton said.
Construction of the new Wentworth Health Service is expected to be completed in 2025. HPAC Pty Ltd. has been engaged as the main works contractor for the new facility.
All current services at Wentworth Health Service will continue to operate during construction. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption and the community will be informed of any planned changes.
For more information, visit wentworthredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au