Wentworth Health Service $30 million redevelopment on track
The $30 million redevelopment of one of the State’s most remote hospitals by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is on track to start construction later this year, improving access to much needed health care services for residents of the Far West.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole joined Far West Local Health District Chief Executive Brad Astill, hospital staff and members of the project team today to tour the site of the new Wentworth Health Service Redevelopment which will transform health services and facilities in the region.
“This is a community spread far and wide over 26,000 square kilometres of the Wentworth Shire, so it’s critical that the main hospital which services the region is able to deliver the very best care they need,” Mr Toole said.
“The $30 million dollars our Government is investing will deliver a modern, purpose-built health facility that will meet the growing health needs of this region.
“The New Wentworth Health Service Redevelopment will be equipped with the latest, fit-for-purpose facilities, including a 19-bed Inpatient Unit providing aged care, acute and sub acute care, as well as an Outpatient Clinic and a new Urgent Care Centre, with specialised clinical staff in each area to provide the highest quality care to the Wentworth community.”
The new hospital is being built adjacent to the existing hospital and raised above the flood levy to maximise views over the Darling River, with a strong focus on Connection to Country and the outdoor landscape to support the wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said feedback from stakeholders, including staff and the community on the concept design released at the end of last year had been positive and supportive of the location of the new hospital.
“Involving the community and listening to their insights, views and opinions about what they want and need in relation to the provision of health care is a key part of the planning and design of the new hospital. The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to ensuring we meet the needs of this region, now and into the future,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Through the engagement and consultation, the Wentworth community has and will continue to play a crucial role in the design of the new hospital.”
Mr Toole said staff and consumer participation in Project User Groups, Indigenous engagement in Aboriginal Focus Groups, and community consultation sessions have informed planning for the design of the $30 million new hospital which is almost complete.
“We are looking forward to releasing the design of the new health facility towards the end of February, bringing the new hospital one step closer to reality,” Mr Toole said.
An Arts Working Group has also been established to explore how art will be integrated into the design of the hospital to create a welcoming space that supports the wellbeing of patients, carers, staff and the community.
Construction of the new hospital is expected to be completed in 2025.
The Wentworth Health Service redevelopment is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.
Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital works projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas.