Community has a say on plans for redevelopment of Gunnedah hospital

The $52 million dollar project master plan received feedback from over 900 locals, including local health professionals, PRAMS, Auxiliary, Gunnedah Local Health Committee, Gunnedah Shire Council, aboriginal health groups and the community.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the next step was to complete detailed schematic designs.

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"I have been advocating for open community consultation on the Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment since the project was first announced," Mr Anderson said.

"I want the community involved in building their hospital on every step of the way and now things are moving and the master plan has been released, it's great that so many people have had the opportunity to provide input.

Mr Anderson said the feedback which has been received will help to streamline patient flow around maternity, theatres and emergency while entry points to the hospital have been simplified, with a separate entry to the emergency department added.

"There are also key issues the community has identified, particularly around parking needs, existing memorials, a mental health safe zone, and issues around maintaining the hospital function during construction," Mr Anderson said.

"The project team are now working with the community on the detailed schematic design for the hospital - such as the floorplan, what wards will look like, what patient rooms will look like, what the emergency room will look like and what staff areas will look like."

Once the planning is complete, the community will be given another opportunity to provide feedback.

"I am pushing for those consultation sessions to continue as soon as possible," Mr Anderson said.

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