Hunter New England Health said an official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony is being planned for mid-February.

Building work on the new ED, funded with a $4 million grant from the NSW Government and a $2.5 million contribution from BHP Billiton, was finished in December.

Muswellbrook Hospital Manager, Wendy Hordern, said the new facilities are opening on time and on budget.

“Services will transition from the existing ED to the new Department next Wednesday, February 4,” she said.

“We have completed staff training, orientation and some final staff recruitment to allow the new ED to open on schedule."

Recruitment work has focused on appointing staff for administration support and additional nursing services.

Wendy Hordern said she would like to thank the Muswellbrook and district community for its patience during the construction phase.