24 August 2009

Official opening of new multi purpose health facilities

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, today joined the communities of Warialda and Bingara to officially open new Multi Purpose Services (MPS) in each town.

Mr Della Bosca, who was accompanied by the Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay and Duty MLC for Barwon, Christine Robertson, said the new state-of-the-art facilities would radically improve the quality of health services for patients.

“These facilities provide truly integrated, modern health care including aged care, acute hospital care and community health,” the Minister said.

“Having a comprehensive range of health services under one roof provides an enhanced level of convenience and co-ordination of treatment for patients and aged care residents.

“The modern facilities will also act as a big draw card in future efforts to recruit medical professionals, nursing and allied health staff to the communities,” Mr Della Bosca said.

The new Warialda MPS comprises:

• 15 residential aged care beds;
• 10 acute beds (including one special care bed);
• 24-hour Emergency Department; and
• Co-located Ambulance Service, to become operational by late September 2009.

The new Bingara MPS comprises:

• 14 residential aged care beds;
• Seven acute care beds (including one special care bed);
• 24 hour Emergency Department;
• Diagnostic imaging (x-ray);
• Staff accommodation; and
• Co-located Ambulance Service.

Both facilities also featured community health services including child and family health, community nursing, and a range of visiting services such as nutrition and drug and alcohol support.

Mr Della Bosca said that while the physical aspects of the building were impressive, it was the effort and commitment of the staff and community in each town to make the services a reality that was inspiring.

“Members of the Warialda Local Health Advisory Committee and the Bingara Local Health Advisory Committee have been involved in the planning for these facilities right from the start, as well as staff and local general practitioners who have all been tireless in their support,” the Minister said.

“I have been told Warialda and Bingara are communities in the old fashioned sense of the word, where people look out for each other and where there is a strong sense of community pride,” Mr Della Bosca said.

The NSW Government is investing $1.27 billion to deliver better services and improve health infrastructure across the Hunter New England region this financial year - a $90.4 million increase on the previous year - and part of a record State Health budget of $15.1 billion.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au