Wentworth Health Service, a rural hospital and health service in New South Wales, Australia, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the structure for a new building as part of an A$30m ($20.32m) redevelopment project.
The new hospital is on track for completion in mid-2025 and promises enhanced patient experiences with features such as natural light and water views.
The new site is being constructed on top of the current levee bank along the Darling River and adjacent to the existing 80-year-old hospital.
The facility will include 19 inpatient unit beds, an urgent care centre, and community health services.
Additionally, it will feature a palliative care suite with a private terrace and family lounge overlooking the Darling River, a dedicated family space opening to a courtyard, a gym with outdoor courtyard access, and landscaped areas featuring a Yarning Circle and native plants.
The project is also introducing initiatives that offer environmental advantages, such as recycling more than 90% of construction waste and decreasing landfill impact.
With structural works now complete, the project team is set to proceed with the internal fit-out, services installation, and exterior works.
Health services will continue to operate during the construction phase. Once the new hospital is operational, the old facility will be demolished to make way for a new Ambulance Bay.
The construction is benefiting the local economy with the employment of local contractors and subcontractors.
More than 170 construction workers have so far been inducted on-site, with the project also offering training opportunities for over ten apprentices.
The construction of the new hospital facility began in November 2023, and the concrete slab was poured in August this year.
Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said: “With the structural elements complete, hospital staff and the Wentworth community can now see the shape and design of their new hospital start to come to life, which is very exciting.
“We are a government committed to investing in health infrastructure to support better health outcomes for rural, regional and remote communities, like Wentworth.”
