Construction on the new Maitland Hospital is ahead of schedule and is set to be taking patients by early 2022.
The Health Minister toured the site yesterday and touted the $470 million facility which will be home to a number of services including emergency care, chemotherapy chairs, surgical, critical care, maternity, paediatric, cardiac catherisation, mental health, palliative care, outpatient clinics and dental services.
The redevelopment will also include a $30 million car park, bringing the total investment to $500 million.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard says its fantastic to see the progress.
"The new hospital is on track to deliver world-class health care for the Hunter community from early next year.
"The project is a major opportunity to embrace technology and innovation, creating new ways of working and ultimately improving health outcomes for patients," Mr Hazzard said.
The new hospital is expected to be handed over from the builder in the next couple of months and then a commissioning period will be undertaken.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison joined the the Minister for the tour and says it is a landmark building.
"To see this project rise out of landscape into such a world class facility is a testament to the many valued workers in our health care system who have provided their input into the way our hospital should operate.
"The innovations are inspiring and show the genuine care and concern for patients," Ms Aitchison said.
The new hospital will also feature the largest scale installation of an artwork commissioned in a NSW Health facility.
The artwork which will be housed in the main foyer is designed by artist Peter Poulet and is described as a piece drawing on stories collected from locals and is an abstract representation of the Maitland area, the river and surrounding landscape.
Another piece along the arbour along the drop of and entry to the building has been commissioned by indigenous artist Saretta Fielding and celebrates Wonnarua Country.
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| Health Minister Brad Hazzard & Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison on site. Photo: Jenny Aitchison |
