The schematic design for the $53 million Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment has been unveiled, providing the community with the detailed layout for the new healthcare facility.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government is investing in a major redevelopment of Gunnedah Hospital to modernise health services and facilities for patients, staff and the community.

“This next stage in the design process confirms the layout of the new healthcare facility which includes a new hospital building on the existing site, and refurbishment of parts of the current inpatient building,” Mr Anderson said.

“All existing services and departments are included in the redevelopment, including emergency, medical imaging, inpatient unit, maternity and birthing, day surgery and theatres, back of house operations, community health, as well as administration areas for staff.

“The design also includes the addition of six new infusion chairs, an expanded emergency department and a new operating theatre to meet the future demand for hospital and community-based health services.”

Feedback from staff and the community has already shaped the redevelopment through the early planning and design phases with an improved main entry, waiting areas and design of the inpatient unit. 

“The redevelopment also includes improved public access and drop-off-zones as well as landscaped areas for patients, visitors and staff,” Mr Anderson said.

Multiple courtyards are included in the design, including a small family friendly children’s play area off the maternity lounge.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the project team will be seeking further feedback from the community on the schematic design, collaborating with staff, stakeholders and the local community.    

“A community information session is planned for November, and I strongly encourage the community to come along to view the latest update in the design and have their say,” Mrs Taylor said.

The Gunnedah community are invited to a community pop-up information session on Wednesday 16 November from 11am to 1pm outside the Gunnedah Newsagency on Conadilly Street.

Main construction works for the redevelopment are expected to start in 2023, once the design process is completed. The project team is also investigating an early works package to prepare the site for construction, which would start in early 2023.

The redevelopment is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.

Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital works projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas.  

To provide feedback on the Gunnedah Hospital schematic design or for more information about the redevelopment visit: https://hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/gunnedah  

To view the new artist impression and schematic design, please follow this link