The Macksville Hospital hit another milestone last week as the final pieces of the roof were fitted into place.
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"With the roof completed, works are progressing well internally with the installation of services, erection of wall sheeting, and painting of ED, Maternity, Community Health, Perioperative and Administration areas," Local Member Mel Pavey said during a site visit last Friday.
"The Acute and Subacute units are nearing completion with final fitout of services anticipated in the coming months."
Ms Pavey congratulated those involved with the project's progress and said investment in health in our regional towns is vital.
"The value of hospitals to their communities extends far beyond healthcare," she said.
"Developments such as this at Macksville can provide a positive flow on effect within regional communities and provide uplifts in social and business activity.
"Health infrastructure projects not only support the health and wellbeing of local communities, but also deliver direct and indirect jobs in health, construction and related industries."
To date, there have been over five hundred workers employed on the work-site at Macksville, and records indicate there is a strong local workforce with 53 per cent of workers living between Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, of which nearly 15 per cent live within 15km of the work-site itself.
Ms Pavey was joined today by the Mid North Coast Local Health District Governing Board Chair Warren Grimshaw AM, Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick, Health Infrastructure Chief Executive Rebecca Wark, project team members, hospital executives and representatives of the hospital's Community Advisory and Aboriginal Reference groups.
The Project Team, including Mid North Coast Local Health District and Health Infrastructure, continues to consult with clinicians, community representatives and other stakeholders to ensure the hospital meets the community's needs.
"The new hospital will ensure high-quality contemporary and accessible care close to home," Ms Pavey said.
"Once complete, the hospital will enhance patient care and improve ambulatory care and outpatient treatments.
"The project scope also includes an emergency department, inpatient units, operating theatre, maternity services and community and allied health facilities.
"The hospital development is on track for completion in 2020, with an operational commissioning phase to follow prior to the transfer of services from the existing hospital and the commencement of clinical operations from the new hospital."