Have You Seen Ewan Harper?

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man missing from Muswellbrook.

66-year-old Ewan Harper was last seen at about 6:30pm on Tuesday the 4th of April at Muswellbrook Hospital.

Ewan's family have not seen or heard from him for two weeks, and there are serious concerns for his welfare due to a number of health conditions.

He was last seen wearing grey tracksuit pants and a grey t-shirt.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  

Ewan Harper

 

Edgeworth to Receive New Ambulance Station

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A new ambulance station in Edgeworth is on the way, thanks to the state government's record investment into health.

The new station will feature internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, vehicle wash facilities, logistics and storage spaces, an administration office, staff amenities, and multipurpose spaces to support staff education. 

It comes as part of the government's total 1.76 billion dollar investment, which is set to transform NSW ambulance services over the next 4 years. 

As part of the program, the government has also announced $835 million will be allocated to the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, $111.48 million will be handed-down to redevelop Cessnock Hospital, and 45 million will go towards Muswellbrook Hospital. 

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin, said the site for the Edgeworth station will be determined once further planning is completed with key stakeholders. 

Muswellbrook Hospital to Receive New Operating Theatre Under $32 Million Funding Commitment

BY JARROD MELMETH

Muswellbrook Hospital is receiving some love in the form of a $32 million commitment from State Labor, promising to complete stage 2 of it's redevelopment, should they be elected in 2023.

Labor Leader Jodi Mckay and Shadow Health Minister Ryan Park, joined Upper Hunter candidate Jeff Drayton on Monday to announce the funding. 

Under the new plans, the hospital will be upgraded with a new general ward on the lower ground floor, added maternity services, central sterilising and an operating theatre. 

Currently the hospital reportedly has a surgical ward but no accompanying operating theatre. 

The NSW Government completed a $21.5 million stage two of the redevelopment in June 2019, at a cost of $21.5 million, which has been labelled a "stuff up by" the opposition. 

Jodi Mckay says the so-called completed redevelopment is a slap in the face for the Upper Hunter community.

"A community the size of Muswellbrook that contributes so much funding to the states economy really does deserve a good quality healthcare system."

"This has been an issue that has been around for a really long time. We know that rural health has been left behind. It depends on where your postcode is as to the level of help you receive."

"In Muswellbrook there has certainly been a lack of funding and lack of will to actually improve the healthcare services," Ms Mckay said.

Upper Hunter Candidate Jeff Drayton says the region does a lot of the heavy lifting for the state and its high time they got something out if it. 

"We send nearly a billion dollars down the freeway a year and receive very little in return," Mr Drayton said. 

Concept plans of the NSW Governments upgrades
to Muswellbrook Hospital completed in 2019.
Source: NSWHealth