Unveiling the plaque to mark the official opening the of redeveloped Armidale Hospital today, NSW Health Infrastructure’s Mark Brockbank, left, Hunter New England health Executive Director Susan Heyman, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Health Infrastructure Executive Director Rebecca Wark, Dr David Rowe and Hunter New England Health CEO Michael Di Rienzo.
Wednesday, 23 January 2019
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today joined local clinicians, community members and project partners to celebrate the completion of the $60 million redevelopment of Armidale Rural Referral Hospital.
Mr Marshall formally unveiled a plaque and historical photo of the hospital with Hunter New England Health CEO Michael Di Rienzo, to mark the occasion.
“This is momentous day for the Armidale community and for health services in our region,” Mr Marshall said.
“Many were convinced this redevelopment – long sought-after – would ever occur, but now we have a modern, spacious and comfortable hospital for staff and patients and more services available.
“This redevelopment brought new and improved facilities to ensure the delivery of the very best health care for our residents for decades to come.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this achievement – it is a win which belongs to everyone in the community, from those who signed petitions and turned up to meetings, hospital staff and local clinicians.”
Construction on the project began around two years ago after the State Government committed $60 million to the hospital in 2015. The new four-storey building was completed last year and now the refurbished of existing hospital buildings has been completed, bring the entire redevelopment to a conclusion.
The redevelopment delivered:
• A brand new and expanded Emergency Department
• Four new operating theatres and procedure room
• A new and expanded Critical Care Unit (Intensive Care Unit)
• A new Medical Inpatient Unit
• A new Central Sterilising Supplies Department
• New and improved Day Surgery Unit
• Improved Mortuary Facilities
• New hospital kitchen
• New palliative care rooms
“This redevelopment means that Armidale now has a new emergency department, operating theatres and procedure room, sterilising, department and medical inpatient unit,” Mr Marshall said.
“In addition the West Wing Building includes a new critical care unit and day surgery.
“We’ve also seen beautification upgrades done to the Emergency Department pedestrian access and external areas.
“The staff are excited about the redevelopment finally being complete, as the upgrade has seen huge improvements in the facilities offered here in Armidale.
“This redevelopment is absolutely amazing for Armidale and together with the redevelopment of Inverell Hospital and the push for similar work at Moree and Glen Innes, demonstrates that improved rural health services are firmly on the agenda.”