The much anticipated work is underway to prepare the Singleton Hospital site for the seven million dollar upgrade.
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Construction is expected to commence before the end of this year, with the improvements anticipated to be fully operational by the close of 2017.
The overhaul is going to be quite the transformation as the old community health building is to be removed and a new carpark constructed.
These improvements were promised during the 2015 state election campaign and will compliment the $2.5 million emergency department upgrade that was completed in 2013.
Health service manager, Wendy Mason-Jones says although there are bound to be some interruptions during the construction process - it will be worth it.
“Short-term pain for a great gain,” she says.
Member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen recently joined her, and to other staff members, to acknowledge the beginning of the preparatory works.
Mr Johnsen says the project will provide improved delivery and accessibility of Renal Dialysis, Community Health and Imaging services at Singleton District Hospital.
“The old community health building will also be removed and a new carpark will be provided at the new front entry to the hospital,” Mr Johnsen says.
“An additional $450,000 in funding has been obtained through the Rural Minor Works program for the project.
“This additional funding will complete the extension and refurbishment of existing Imaging Services.”
“The additional works will be carried out in conjunction with the original project.”
“The construction tender is due to be released in the coming months.”
“That new equipment is capable of producing an image in three seconds whereas now it can take 60-90 seconds,” he said.
The hospital’s imaging department carries out 10,000 patient services a year .
One of the difficulties with the exiting imaging department is the fact that patients in the hospital have to be taken outside, to the building at the entrance to the hospital, for CT and ultra sounds.
With a new facility we may no longer have to transport bed bound patients to lower Hunter hospitals for imaging.