Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has updated the community on progress for the Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment after a meeting with the project team last week.

Mr Anderson said this was an exciting time for the Gunnedah community as their ideas and feedback were being incorporated into the final designs while negotiation with a tenderer progressed.

“I fought hard for community consultation and feedback to be at the centre of the Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment and it’s great to see the project team has taken that feedback on board and will be further fine tuning their design with the preferred tenderer,” Mr Anderson said.

“The project team had a number of meetings in the last two months of the year with hospital staff, local doctors, PRAMS, Gunnedah Shire Council, the Aboriginal community, the family of Catherine Turner, NSW Ambulance and the community and their feedback will be critical to the project as we move towards construction this year.”

Some feedback on the design from the last consultation sessions includes:

• Incorporate natural light where possible
• Support for maternity being in the general inpatient unit yet still able to be separated
• Kiosk will be more visible to the public now with access from the front of house
• Ensure the exterior colours suit Gunnedah’s climate and are complimentary to the existing architecture
• Love all the courtyards and landscaping
• The idea of a birthing courtyard is wonderful
• Shading over courtyards while still allowing natural light in
• Provide appropriate seating at the main entry and outdoor waiting areas
• Low allergy plantings preferred

“The team are currently working towards appointing a builder and I expect that we will be making an announcement very soon.”