New Wentworth Health Service site announced
The NSW Government has announced the existing Wentworth Hospital site will be transformed as part of the $30 million Wentworth Health Service redevelopment to enhance health services and facilities for residents of the state’s south-western region.
Minster for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said in addition to announcing the preferred location overlooking the Darling River, the redevelopment’s master plan has been unveiled today.
“The Wentworth community is one step closer to gaining its new health service that will ensure we can deliver better health services for the Wentworth community now and into the future,” Mrs Taylor said.’
“This location, at the existing hospital site, will provide all inpatient bedrooms with a direct view of the beautiful Darling River, offering a therapeutic environment for patients as they receive treatment and care, as well as their families.
“This location is significant to our local Aboriginal community, allowing connection to Country, while also supporting the wellbeing of all patients, staff and visitors to the health service.”
The preferred location was confirmed following a comprehensive review of more than 10 potential sites by Health Infrastructure and the Far West Local Health District, and in consultation with hospital staff, local council and the community.
Duty MLC for Murray Wes Fang said a range of criteria was considered in determining the hospital site including zoning, size, and location.
“The current hospital is located on a large site that will enable a completely new facility to be constructed, while ensuring the existing hospital remains operational as works are completed,” Mr Fang said.
“The site also offers opportunities for future expansion and options to retain the existing staff accommodation buildings, as well as on-site parking for patients, visitors and staff.
“Positioned on the Silver City Highway, it will provide key access for residents in Curlwaa, Dareton, Coomealla and beyond and also reduce the need for patients to travel to Victoria to access health services.”
The community of Wentworth are being invited to share their feedback and ask questions at a series of stakeholder and community information sessions with the project team.
All community are invited to attend the information sessions as follows:
Thursday 21 July 2022
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Friday 22 July 2022
9:00am – 10:30am
Location: Memorial Room, Wentworth Visitors Information Centre, Darling Street, Wentworth.
The NSW government committed $30 million to redevelop the Wentworth Health Service in June 2021. The full range of services to be delivered as part of the Wentworth Health Service redevelopment will be identified as part of the community consultation process.
The construction schedule will be determined after further planning is undertaken.
The Wentworth Health Service 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 hospitals and health facilities across NSW, with more than 130 currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas.