The facade of the new Mudgee Hospital has been unveiled, as the focus of the project begins to shift to internal fit-out and completion in 2020.
The progression of the $70.7m Mudgee Hospital Redevelopment is powering ahead with some of the external scaffolding recently being removed, enabling the exterior of the hospital to now be visible in its entirety.
Member for the Dubbo electorate, Dugald Saunders, joined the project team, hospital staff and community representatives at the official reveal on Thursday.
He said “it’s a site that’s changed significantly in the last year, from the old buildings to now”.
“It feels surreal to see what is here before us,” he said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have a couple of looks through as the building has progressed, but seeing the facade revealed for the first time is a bit inspirational.
“You get a feeling for what this building will be, not just from a looks perspective but from a delivery perspective.
“This is a state-of-the-art hospital, there’s natural light being used everywhere and it’s a beautiful place to be while you are receiving the treatment you need.”
There has been significant progress achieved on site and when completed the new hospital building will include an emergency department, a general medical and surgery unit, a peri-operative service, a maternity unit, ambulatory care, oral health, renal dialysis and oncology.
Project manager Katie Babula said “it’s a very busy year ahead.”
“The redevelopment is now moving forward with the scaffolding being removed from the facade enabling us to see it in its entirety,” she said.
“Construction works will now focus on the internal fit-out and finishes – such as joinery, painting, and installation of vinyl. In parallel, the furniture and equipment, which have been selected and will be moved onsite as we move towards completion.
“Finishing activities for the various systems will also start in the coming months and working towards completion during this year. Once operational, the demolition and landscaping and car park will be finished by the end of this year.”
Construction works will now focus on internal finishes and fit-out works including joinery and vinyl installation and painting as well as moving onto pre-commissioning activities.
A total of 3,500 cubic metres of concrete is used in the building’s construction, equivalent to almost 1.5 Olympic swimming pools, and construction will use over 100,000 bricks.
Construction works are being carefully staged to ensure all hospital services are maintained during the construction period.
“Investment in health in our rural communities is vital,” Mr Saunders said.
“The value of hospitals to their communities extends far beyond healthcare. Redevelopment’s such as this at Mudgee can provide positive economic and social flow on effects within regional communities.
“The new Mudgee Hospital will also have, for the first time, a CT scanner which will be a big boost to the community.”
Health Services manager Caren Harrison said that not only have the staff being keeping a keen on construction, but the community has too. And that there input has been sought.
“We currently have two competitions in place, encouraging people to enter a photograph and Aboriginal artworks,” she said.
“We’ve had some terrific entries so far and we’ve generated lots of interest. And overwhelmingly our feedback on the project has been very encouraging.”
Budding photographers and local-aboriginal artists are invited to submit their work to be on display in the main entry of the new Mudgee Hospital.
The photo competition – which closes on Friday, February 7 – is seeking a Mudgee photo to be enlarged and displayed long term in the main foyer of the hospital along with a $1000 cash prize. Visit the WNSW LHD Mudgee Hospital Redevelopment page to enter.
Source: Mudgee Guardian, 23 January 2020
