The expanded front-of-house and emergency waiting areas of Dubbo Hospital have been shown off for the first time in a special ceremony at the facility.
A traditional smoking ceremony was held prior to a tour of the development, which is part of the new Macquarie building at the hospital.
The front section of the new three-storey building is planned to open next week and features an impressive double-storey glass frontage to let in plenty of natural light as well as bright and engaging artwork, including an impressive suspended art piece by renowned artist Jade Oakley that was created especially for Dubbo Hospital.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the project was a significant part of Stages 3 and 4 of the hospital redevelopment, which is valued at $150 million.
“The opening up of the new front-of-house and emergency waiting areas is another milestone ticked off on this project, and it follows on from the opening of the new emergency department, medical imaging and coronary care units in 2020,” Mr Saunders said.
“The Macquarie Building is being opened in stages to streamline building activity on the hospital site and to minimise disruption to staff and patients.
“In the coming months we will also be opening the new intensive care unit, the ambulatory care floor and some specialist medical clinics that will further enhance Dubbo Hospital as the premier medical facility in the central west.
The opening of the new section of the Macquarie building comes as work is set to commence on construction of the Dubbo Hospital carpark project, which will deliver more than 350 spaces within a multi-storey parking facility next to the $35 million Western Cancer Centre and an on-grade carpark close to the new front-of-house area.