Hunter New England Health District Performs Well in Two New Reports

BY EMILY WILLIAMS and DANEIE GEDDES

The Hunter New England Local Health District performed well in the first quarter of 2023, a new report has revealed.

The latest Bureau of Health Information's Healthcare Quarterly report captures the district's public hospitals between January and March.

In that period, HNEH hospitals saw 110,800 people presented to emergency departments, with a record-breaking 14,781 of these patients experiencing "imminently life-threatening conditions".

Acting Chief Executive of the Hunter New England Local Health District Susan Heyman says the staff are to thank.

"I would like to express my gratitude to our dedicated staff who continue to go above and beyond to provide life-saving care to our patients, despite high activity and ongoing challenges to secure health staff, especially across our rural and regional areas," she said.

The report revealed 66.4% of patients started their treatment on time and almost 1 in 8 patients were transferred from ambulance to hospital staff in under thirty-minutes.

However, more than 50% of people presenting to emergency departments did not require urgent, life-saving, or critical care.

Ms. Heyman says she urges everyone to reserve trips to emergency for emergencies and instead call Health Direct Australia on 1800 022 222 for 24 hour care if an injury or illness is not life-threatening.

Meantime, the most recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has revealed which hospitals across the HUNTER are getting it right when it comes to hand hygiene. 

Cessnock leads the way at 93.20%, followed by the John Hunter at 92.80, Maitland at 89.90 and Singleton just creeping past the national benchmark of 80% with 80.10. 

The data also found the national hand hygiene compliance rate at 88 per cent with lowest compliance rates among doctors at 79.5%, followed by ambulance workers at 74.5%. 

However, the new data reveals a significant improvement in hand hygiene practices compared to almost a decade ago, where a considerable percentage of hospitals in NSW were falling short of meeting the national benchmark.  

Cruise ship skips Newcastle after COVID outbreak

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A cruise ship with COVID cases onboard has skipped its planned Newcastle stop on Tuesday morning.

The Grand Princess was scheduled to reach the Port of Newcastle around 6am, but continued down the coast.

It's understood, the company cancelled the stop late on Monday, because of uncertainty from Hunter New England Health around whether passengers could disembark.

A spokesperson for the health district said the Public Health Unit had applied the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols, asking that all passengers be tested before disembarking.

It's believed there's a large number of infected passengers on the vessel.

"[Hunter New England] had also engaged Princess Cruises on ways to best manage and support those on board with COVID-19," the spokesperson said.

"And how to reduce COVID-19 transmission in regional communities if passengers were to disembark in Newcastle."

It's understood the ship is set to arrive in Melbourne on Thursday, though it's not clear how many passengers are infected with COVID.

Calls to Use Wallsend Aged Care Facility to Ease Hunter Bed Block

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

Residents and MPs are calling on Hunter New England Health to explain the low occupancy rate at the Wallsend Aged Care Facility. 

It was recently revealed the facility has more than 60 per cent of its beds available, and has not taken a new resident for more than two years. 

It's estimated this means there are approximately 40 beds free. 

Wallsend state MP Sonia Hornery has expressed concern, the government plans to privatise or close the facility altogether. 

Ms Hornery said this doesn't make sense, considering the it has higher staffing ratios and better qualified staff than most federal facilities. 

"It's so important to keep the Wallsend Aged Care Facility in public hands and available for the community because the quality of care there is the best," she said. 

Hunter Health's Executive Director of Greater Metropolitan Health Services, Karen Kelly, told Newcastle Herald, the COVID-19 pandemic had led to the decrease in residents, with families hesitant to admit their loved ones following a string of outbreaks. 

However, Ms Hornery said two years on, Hunter Health could lift the occupancy rate if it wanted to. 

"My question to the government and to the Health Minister is, are people being discouraged from going to the aged care facility?"

Ms Hornery noted the bed block in Hunter hospitals, and said something needs to be done to ease the pressure on the health system. 

She suggested the Wallsend site be used as temporary accommodation for patients filling up hospitals in the region. 

"I'm calling on the government to ensure not only that the Wallsend Aged Care Facility remains open, but that the community is encouraged to use the facility for their family when it's needed," Ms Hornery said. 

"I'm calling on the government to consider using consider using this facility as respite, to free up some of the beds at the John Hunter and the Calvary Mater." 

"And I'm calling on the government to be open an transparent with the community about what's really happening at the Wallsend Aged Care Facility because there is some reason why we have so many beds vacant at this wonderful facility." 

The Wallsend Aged Care Facility has more than 60 per cent of its beds available, Hunter Health has confirmed. 

Japanese encephalitis sparks concern in Hunter New England

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Japanese encephalitis virus has been detected in the Hunter New England Health District.

Two men, one from New South Wales and one from Victoria, have passed away with the virus.

A number of patients across Australia have been identified with the disease or are undergoing testing, with more cases expected to be confirmed soon.

Closer to home, it's been identified in the Tenterfield area, but there's concern it could spread further.

Dr David Durrheim, a public health physician at Hunter New England Health, says it's something to keep an eye on.

"It's very well-documented and very well-spread across tropical parts of both Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, but in Australia, it's previously been restricted to the Torres Strait and the very top end of Cape York," Dr Durrheim said.

"So it's very unusual to have the detection that we've seen in both humans and pigs, in four Australian states."

The mosquito-borne virus can't be passed from person to person, but there's concern piggeries could amplify its spread.

Mosquito populations are already growing, with heavy rainfall and floods across the East Coast offering the perfect climate for a population boom.

While the vast majority of cases have no symptoms, the disease caused by the virus can be life-threatening.

People with severe symptoms such as nausea, headaches, light sensitivity, and fever should seek medical attention.

Dr Durrheim says we should be cautious, but catching the virus isn't as likely as we think.

"The risk is really generally close to domestic pigs or piggeries," Dr Durrheim said.

"When you get to the coast, the predominant mosquitos is the saltmarsh mosquito, so that's particularly prevalent in the Newcastle area."

"The aedes mosquito is not known to transmit flaviviruses or Japanese encephalitis virus."

We're being encouraged to prevent mosquito bites with a few easy precautions:

• Cover up while outside with loose, light-coloured clothing and covered footwear.
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Apply insect repellent on exposed skin that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos.
• Cover openings such as windows and doors with insect screens.
• Remove water-holding containers outside your house where mosquitoes can breed.
  

COVID-19 Cases Rise To 13 In Hunter New England Region

BY IAN CROUCH 

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has updated the community on the latest COVID-19 cases.

He says 50% of the NSW population over the age of 16 have now had their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while 22% have also had their 2nd dose.

There were 108449 tests to 8pm Friday

There were 319 news cases until 8pm Friday  

2 international travelers 

125 linked to previous cases

194 cases still under investigation

There are 2 cases in the Armidale area of NSW - Armidale LGA will be going into 1 week lockdown from 5pm today. Hunter New England Health says a female in her 20's visited Newcastle and had contact with a confirmed case here - she in turn passed it on to a man in his 50's at her Armidale home.

Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Jeremy McAnulty says five people in their 60's 80's and 90's have died in Sydney hospitals overnight.

He says there are 4 new cases in Newcastle in young people.  This takes to the total number of cases in the Hunter New England Health District to 13.

Dr McAnulty says 2 people with the virus presented to the John Hunter Hospital emergency department on Thursday. He says anyone at the ED from 8.40pm on Thursday 5 August to 1.50 am on Friday 6 August are now regarded as close contacts and should get tested and isolate for 14 days.

Brad Hazzard has again called on the community in lockdown areas to stay at home and only leave to get groceries once a day and then go straight home. He again called on the community not to visit friends and relatives unless it's for medical reasons. He also stressed the importance of getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

Mr Hazzard has also acknowledged the long testing queues in Newcastle and efforts are being stepped up to provide more testing centres.

Hunter Hospital ED's Busier Than Ever

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hospitals across the Hunter New England Health District saw record numbers of people attending Emergency Departments in the final quarter of last year.

The latest Bureau of Health Information data shows ED attendances were up by 3.8 per cent between October and December, with 115,900 people presenting for treatment - the highest quarterly figure ever recorded in the Hunter New England Health District.

Almost 23,000 people turned up to the John Hunter ED during the quarter, a rise of 4.5 per cent on the same time in 2019.

Bureau Chief Executive Diane Watson says despite the increase and the challenges of COVID-19, more than 73 per cent of patients started their treatment on time and almost 70 per cent left the ED within 4 hours.

"2020 was really an extraordinary year for both people in NSW and our health care system, and if we look overall, the system coped really well against those enormous challenges," she said.

 

Record numbers of patients attended the John Hunter ED in the December 2020 quarter

St Francis Xavier's College Closed After 3rd Confirmed COVID-19 Case in Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

Another Newcastle school has been closed following a third confirmed case of COVID-19.

St Francis Xavier's College at Hamilton will be closed today (Friday 7 August,2020) for deep cleaning and all 941 students and 125 staff have been asked to self-isolate until further notice.

Hunter New England Health says the latest case is a male teenager who is a household contact of the teenager from St Pius X High School at Adamstown as well as the man in his 20's announced on Thursday.

All close contacts of the latest case will contacted to self-isolate for 14 days.

Hunter New England Health says anyone who attended the school on Monday 3, Tuesday 4 or Wednesday 5 August is urged to be on the lookout for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested immediately should any respiratory symptoms or fever occur.

The Health authority is working to identify any further contacts or venues visited by the teenager and will issue further updates as more information becomes available.

A student at St Francis Xavier's College has tested positive to COVID-19

Student At St Pius X High School At Adamstown Tests Positive For COVID-19

BY IAN CROUCH

St Pius X High School at Adamstown will be closed today and tomorrow for deep cleaning after a student tested positive to COVID-19.

The teenager, who plays with the Newcastle Jets Under 15 side, played a match against the Stanmore Hawks at Dulwich Hill on August 1 - his team mates and members of the opposing team will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

All close contacts of the teenager are being notified and will also be required to self-isolate for two weeks.

Hunter New England Health says the boy caught the number 26 school bus from Hamilton to school on Monday August 3 at 8.20am and everyone on the bus must isolate for 14 days.

The school was advised of the positive test after students had left for the day on Wednesday.

Parents and carers of students have been notified and the school is working with health authorities to identify close contacts of the student.


Hunter New England Health says anyone experiencing even mild respirirtory symptoms should get tested for COVID-19 immediately to limit the spread of the virus.

A student at St Pius X High School has tested positive for COVID-19

COVID-19 Alert! Visitors To Wallsend Diggers And Jesmond Hotel Urged To Self-Isolate

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter New England Health has issued an urgent advice after a COVID-19 positive patient from Sydney visited a hotel and a club in Newcastle's Western Suburbs.

Anyone who visited the Hotel Jesmond on Wednesday July 29 between 7.30pm and 9.30pm, and Wallsend Diggers on Thursday July 30 between 7.30pm and 9.30pm is directed to self-isolate for 14 days.

The local Health Authority is still working to contact anyone who attended the venues, which are now undergoing deep cleaning.

Public Health Physician, Dr David Durrheim says it's vital anyone who attended these two venues at these times to self-isolate to limit the spread of the virus and to seek COVID-19 testing immediately .

"I encourage everyone to follow directions they receive about home isolation and quarantine, and maintain COVID-safe practices of physical distancing, coughing or sneezing into their elbow, and regularly washing hands," he said.

No New Covid-19 Cases Recorded in the Hunter Today, 5 Active Cases in Region

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter New England Health have reported no new Covid-19 cases in the Hunter region today.

There have been 14 new cases diagnosed in the NSW today, none of which are connected to the Hunter.

The latest NSW Health figures as of 12pm Tuesday July 28th, show there are currently 5 active cases in the region.

Two cases are in the postcode 2290, suburbs within this postcode include:

BENNETTS GREEN  CHARLESTOWN  DUDLEY  GATESHEAD  HILLSBOROUGH

KAHIBAH  MOUNT HUTTON  REDHEAD  TINGIRA HEIGHTS WHITEBRIDGE

Two cases are in the postcode 2315, suburbs within this post code include:

• CORLETTE 
• FINGAL BAY 
• NELSON BAY 
• SHOAL BAY 

One case is in the post code 2316, suburbs within this postcode include: 

ANNA BAY BOAT HARBOUR BOBS FARM

FISHERMANS BAY ONE MILE  TAYLORS BEACH

Despite the continuing legal limit of 20 people, NSW Health are advising residents to not host or go to a gathering of more than 10 people at home.

Anyone feeling unwell - even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat is urged to  seek testing and self-isolate until they get the result.

Confirmed COVID-19 Case In Port Stephens Prompts Public Health Alert

BY IAN CROUCH

Extra staff have been deployed to Tomaree Hospital to increase COVID-19 testing capability after a man in his 60's was confirmed to have contracted the virus.

He's now in isolation.

Hunter New England Health says the source of the infection was a visitor from Sydney.

The Sydney case visited the Windsor Castle Hotel at East Maitand between 6.00pm and 8.00pm on Monday July 13 and the Salamander Bay Shopping Centre last Wednesday July 15.

It's prompted a warning for anyone who visited these locations at those times to get tested immediately if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.

Public Health Physician, Dr David Durrheim says anyone in the Port Stephens area with cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath is urged to get tested.
 
"Even those with mild symptoms such as fever, new muscle aches or pains, a change in taste or smell or a runny nose are encouraged to arrange testing," he said.

COVID-19 testing is also available at Maitland walk-in clinic, between 9.00am and 4.00pm, 7 days a week.

Meanwhile, the confirmed case has forced the temporary closure of the Nelson Bay Fire Station because a local firefighter believes he may have come in contact with the confirmed local case or the carrier from Sydney.

A rescue pumper and crew from Lambton is staying at a local hotel to provide cover for the community.

The infected person from Sydney visited the Salamander Bay Shopping Centre last Wednesday July 15 Picture: portstephensexaminer.com.au

Hunter Medical Research Organisations Receive $860,000 to Investigate Bush Fire Smoke Effects

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Researchers from the University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute and Hunter New England Health have received more than $860,000 to analyse the physiological and mental health effects of hazardous bushfire smoke.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) have funded  project led by conjoint Professor Peter Gibson. 

"One of the things we're particularly looking at is what did people do to avoid the exposure, and did it work," Professor Gibson said. 

"We've already started talking to people about what did and didn't work in terms of simple things such as staying inside and closing windows and did that reduce the chance of long term outcomes."

"Also not only personnel protection like masks but bigger picture stuff like should you leave the area all together, and for how long, and whether the design of the building you're in also plays a role." 

The outcomes of the two year project will be staged, with the researchers aiming to get information out before the next bush fire season. 

Other more detailed aspects like analyzing samples and understanding how the body responds to the smoke is expected to take around 18 months. 

Staff at the John Hunter Hospital, will be exploring the impacts of prolonged exposure to the smoke on vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and breastfeeding women with mild asthma, and adults with severe asthma.

The experiences of those who were suffering from asthma at the time of the devastating bushfires last year and at the beginning of this year will be examined. 

"We’ll be working to ascertain the impact on quality of life, mental health, respiratory symptoms, lung function and, in mothers with asthma, the impact on perinatal outcomes and infant feeding,” Professor Gibson said.

"We’ll be assessing the effectiveness of exposure reduction strategies. We’ll also be examining biological samples from our participants to look at the presence and extent of contaminants present."

University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Janet Nelson, said the significant funding success was critical in ensuring Australia’s preparedness into the future.

“As we continue to see more and more extreme bushfire activity, we need to be prepared to address the significant health effects on our communities,” she said.

“We have outstanding respiratory researchers here in the Hunter with a strong background in diseases of the airways,” HMRI Institute Director, Professor Tom Walley, said. 

“It’s exciting to see how their existing knowledge into respiratory diseases can be translated into finding solutions to emerging and long-term health problems around bushfire smoke.”

3 New Cases of Legionnaires' Disease in the Hunter Prompts Gardening Warning

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter New England Local Health  is urging the community to be careful when using potting mix after three cases of confirmed Legionnaires’ disease in recent weeks. 

All three people resided in the Newcastle and Hunter region and had recently purchased potting mix for use in gardening.
Legionnaires’ disease is an infection of the lungs (pneumonia) caused by bacteria of the Legionella family, which causes a number of recognisable symptoms such as fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath.

Dr Kathryn Taylor, a public health physician with Hunter New England Health, said although the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease is usually associated with air conditioning or water systems, another species of Legionella (Legionella longbeachae) is common in soil and potting mix

 “The time from exposure to the onset of symptoms is typically between two and 10 days, so people who have the disease may already have noticed some of these symptoms or may develop them over the next week,” she said.

Infection occurs when a person breathes in bacteria that are commonly found in the environment. Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person.   

People can reduce exposure to potting mix dust by following the manufacturers’ warnings present on potting mix labels, including: 

• Wetting down the potting mix to reduce the dust
 • Wearing gloves and a P2 mask when using potting mix 
• Washing your hands after handling potting mix or soil, and before eating or drinking  

 “We understand that due to COVID-19 restrictions a lot of people have been spending more time at home in their gardens,” Dr Taylor said. 

 Hunter New England Health urges anyone noticing symptoms to contact their General Practitioner to rule out the possibility of having the disease.  

 “People are diagnosed through a throat swab, blood test or a urine test. Your GP will be able to determine through a simple examination whether there are significant symptoms in a patient to warrant further investigation,” Dr Taylor said.  

Treatment for Legionnaires’ disease usually consists of a short hospitalisation or a course of antibiotics. 

There have been six reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the Newcastle and Hunter region for 2020, four of which were caused by the Legionella longbeachae bacteria through soil or potting mix. 

There were 13 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in total in 2019, seven of which were caused by Legionella longbeachae bacteria. 

For further information on Legionnaires’ disease, visit; 
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/legionnaires_disease.aspx 

Image Source: Modern Farmer

Hunter Health Researchers Receive More Than Ten Million in Grants

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Six Hunter researchers and their projects have received a combined total of $10.6 million in the latest round of grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

The three NHMRC Investigator Grants and three Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Investigator Grants will be led by affiliates with the University of Newcastle, the Hunter Medical Research Institute, and Hunter New England Health, and will address critical areas of concern in chronic disease prevention and community health outcomes

Associate Professor Luke Wolfenden will receive more than $2.7 million over five years to examine methods of promoting positive health behaviours such as physical activity, a healthy diet and qutting smoking.

Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin will receive more than $2 million over five years to examine mental health treatment and potential usage of technology in improving access.

Associate Professor Kelvin Kong will receive more than $1 million to study a telehealth ear, nose and throat (ENT) model in the context of metropolitan, rural and regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, focusing on improvement in Aboriginal children’s access to specialist care and a reduction in waiting times for treatment.

Dr Rachel Sutherland and Dr Nicole Nathan were each awarded $1.5 million to examine the effectiveness of chronic disease prevention programs within communities and schools.

Dr Vanessa Murphy was also awarded $1.5 million to fund research into asthma care during pregnancy and the implementation of this research into local, national, and international clinical practice.

University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Janet Nelson, said the funding success was recognition of the vital research being conducted across the Hunter Region.

“As we navigate a very challenging funding environment, it is incredibly encouraging to see our researchers continue to be recognised for their important work," Professor Nelson said. "While globally, there is a united focus on combatting COVID-19, it is essential that we continue to strive and invest in understanding and developing novel treatments for the vast array of health concerns that continue to affect our populations."

“I sincerely congratulate all our recipients of today’s announcement and I look forward to seeing the results of their impactful projects.”

Find out more about the research here.

                                      Image Credit: TOYBO Biotech

Drive-Through COVID-19 Clinic To Open At McDonald Jones Stadium

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter New England Health is hoping to put the lid on COVID-19 in Newcastle with a new testing station set to open this week.

The six-lane drive-through clinic will open at McDonald Jones Stadium this Friday.

It will be open for 10 days and will be able to test 900 people a day for coronavirus.

With case numbers stabilising in the region it's hoped the drive-through clinic will be able to capture any COVID-19 cases still circulating in the community.

Hunter New England Health says anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath should get tested.

A drive-through COVID-19 testing station opens this Friday at McDonald Jones Stadium Picture: dailytelegraph.com.au

Coronavirus Hits The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

Coronavirus has hit the Hunter, with a man in his 70's exhibiting symptoms after returning from Italy.

Hunter New England Health says its providing care and support to the man including daily wellness checks while he is in isolation at home.

He's reported to be doing well.

Close contacts of the man have been contacted and asked to self-isolate.

They are being contacted every day by the public health unit to check they are well and will be tested if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.

Meningococcal Claims Another Life In The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter New England Health has confirmed the death of an elderly woman from meningococcal disease in the Hunter, the second in a week in the region.

It's believed the woman was a resident of the Jesmond Grove Aged Care Hostel operated by Anglican Care. She was admitted to hospital in a critical condition but sadly died overnight.

Hunter New England Health has previously confirmed the risk of other cases from the Jesmond facility is extremely low.

The woman is the 5th case of meningococcal disease in the Hunter New England District in 2019 and the second person in the region to die from the illness in a week after a toddler fell victim to the bacterial infection.

Dr Craig Dalton from Hunter New England Health says while the disease is rare, it is difficult to identify and people need to be aware of symptoms.

"Often it can mimic other common illnesses, so be aware nearer spring that nausea symptoms, vomiting, neck stiffness, joint pain, light sensitivity, or a sudden fever, could be something else.
Most people associate meningococcal disease with a rash or red-purple spots or bruises but in some cases a rash doesn't appear, or it could be the last symptom to take shape," he said.

Hunter New England Health says meningococcal disease does not spread easily. It is spread by secretions from the nose and throat of a person who is carrying the bacteria. Close and prolonged contact is needed to pass it on.

Hunter New England Health Moves To Protect Kangaroos At Morisset Hospital

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter New England Health has responded to the latest concerns about the welfare of the kangaroo population in the grounds of Morisset Hospital.

As we reported yesterday, animal welfare campaigners reported seeing a tourist feed soap to a roo at the site.

Bus loads of tourists have been treking to the hospital grounds, with visitors touching and feeding the animals contrary to recent signage erected around the site.

There have been several reports in recent years of kangaroos being shot with arrows and roos attacking visitors in the area.

Hunter New England Health has decided to permanently lock the existing gates into the hospital site, allowing only restricted access to emergency services, authorised visitors and staff.

New boom gates with card access, intercom and video cameras will be installed by April next year.

It's hoped the new measures will prevent unauthorised access to the site by tourists. 

Kangaroos Grazing In The Grounds Of Morisset Hospital

Meningococcal Disease Claims Another Life In The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

A young Hunter woman has died after contracting meningococcal disease.

The 25-year-old collapsed at home last Saturday and was rushed to hospital by ambulance but was unable to be revived.

Tests have confirmed meningococcal was the cause of death.

It's the eighth confirmed case of the disease in the Hunter New England Health region and the second fatality this year.

A child is currently being cared for in another Hunter region hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition.

New Singleton Hospital Building Completed

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Singleton Hospital's much-needed new building is complete and it's hoped local residents will see improved access to healthcare.

The $7 million dollar upgrade has replaced outdated demountable buildings and a brick cottage which previously required patients to leave the hospital building for some services.

The upgraded building features a range of new and refurbished areas, including community health, specialist clinics and pathology and imaging services, as well as better accessibility across the hospital. A second elevator has also been installed, providing backup for the original lift which serviced the entire building.

A new renal dialysis unit is an important addition to the hospital, featuring two additional dialysis chairs and an isolation room to meet current and future demand.

Member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen, says the upgrade is about ensuring that people get “the best possible quality healthcare as close to home as possible.”

Work will continue until mid-2018 to replace the former community health building with a new car park.

Image Source: The Singleton Argus