Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said following on from the NSW Government increasing the scope and budget of the redevelopment in February, Stage 2 will involve the expansion and refurbishment of the southern side of the hospital, with state-of-the-art healthcare facilities being delivered to address the region’s changing health needs.

“The government is committed to delivering the best health care and health care facilities to rural and regional Australia,” he said.

“And, the Muswellbrook District Hospital redevelopment is a prime example of that.”

Funded by the Restart NSW Resources for Regions Program, Stage 2 of the Muswellbrook District Hospital Redevelopment will deliver a range of health service improvements including:

* Larger treatment spaces and additional treatment chairs for renal dialysis and chemotherapy; 

* Improved spaces for medical imaging and pathology collection; 

* Refurbished outpatient areas; 

* Oral health facilities;

* An enhanced space for patients attending Muswellbrook Hospital for day surgery; and 

* Improvements to the main entry, reception and admission areas. 

“The redevelopment project’s logo was also launched on Thursday, which was developed in consultation with Muswellbrook hospital stakeholders and selected by local community representatives,” Mr Johnsen said.

The logo represents the new health facilities bringing together the surrounding agricultural and mining communities alongside the ongoing goal to deliver better health services. 

“Stage 2 will complement Stage 1 of the Muswellbrook District Hospital Redevelopment, which was completed in 2015, with a new Emergency Department,” Mr Johnsen said.

“The Project Team is currently developing a tender for contractors to begin early works in mid-2017.

“As a Member of this government, I am proud of what has been achieved thus far in the redevelopment of Muswellbrook hospital.

“But, I will be continuing to work hard to ensure that Muswellbrook and the region continue to get the best healthcare possible.”