The Canowindra HealthOne redevelopment has reached a significant milestone with early works and demolition beginning, bringing the community one step closer to better integrated, coordinated healthcare services.
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The demolition of the existing nurse's quarters and adjacent cottage will help prepare the site for the next phase of the $8.3 million HealthOne facility's construction.
Western NSW Local Health District Director of Corporate Services Jeff Morrissey said the project team has been working hard with staff, key stakeholders and community groups to ensure the HealthOne's design will meet the needs of the community.
"The nurse's quarters have played a monumental role over the years and while it is necessary for these buildings to be demolished, we recognise their importance in the community and the need to recognise history by creating a photographic record and preserving any furnishings we can," Mr Morrissey said.
Access to Canowindra Soldiers Memorial Hospital will not be impacted during the demolition, which is expected to take around eight weeks to complete. WNSWLHD has a comprehensive traffic management plan in place to ensure there is no impact to people who need to access the hospital.
An important aspect of the demolition phase will be the creation of a historical record to ensure the impact and history of the demolished buildings is not lost.
Main works construction of the HealthOne is on track to begin in the third quarter of 2024, and is expected to take around 14 months to complete.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said "This new HealthOne will improve coordination and continuity of care for patients in Canowindra - with GPs and community services located on the hospital site, it will create a more seamless transition as they move between different healthcare settings".
"Crucially, the HealthOne will help to maintain high-quality, sustainable healthcare services in the community by creating opportunities for new or existing healthcare providers, like GPs, to establish themselves as part of an integrated team," Mr Park said.
Member for Orange Phil Donato described the project as an 'exciting' development.
"It's exciting to see such great progress on this important project, which will make a huge difference to our community living here," Mr Donato said.
