The NSW Government is investing $30 million to redevelop Wentworth Health Service.
Where is the project up to?
Building a new health facility involves three key phases; Planning, Design and Delivery. The planning and design phase for the Wentworth Health Service Redevelopment is now complete and delivery is now underway with construction of the new health service.
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What is a Clinical Services Plan (CSP)?
The Clinical Services Plan helps determine what types of solutions may be applied to meet the current and future health care needs of the region. The Wentworth Health Service Clinical Services Plan includes provisions for:
- An Inpatient Unit
- Primary Ambulatory Care (Community Health Services)
- Urgent Care Centre.
What information does the master plan provide?
Developing the master plan is a complex process and requires extensive clinical consultation to ensure a site can meet the needs of the community now and into the future. The master plan process for the Wentworth Health Service Redevelopment is now complete.
The master plan is a map showing how the site may accommodate the new facility, existing facilities, and key clinical connections between services to respond to requirements identified in the Clinical Services Plan.
The master plan also considers existing services such as transport and utilities, and the capacity to expand if needed as demand for services change.
The master plan is used to develop a concept design.
Community feedback on the master plan is incorporated into the concept design.
What information does the concept design provide?
The first step of the design phase is the development of a concept design allowing for the hospital plan to be brought to life. The concept design is a ‘high-level’ design which shows the relationships between the clinical functions, services and other facilities.
The concept design for the Wentworth Health Service Redevelopment was announced in October 2022.
It was shaped by feedback from key stakeholders including Wentworth Health Service staff, Two Rivers Health Council, Wentworth Shire Council, the local Aboriginal community and the Wentworth community.
Connection to Country enhancement is key to the design, as reflected in the Inpatient Unit overlooking the river, new outdoor areas and landscaping.
What is the preferred option for the location of the new hospital?
As part of the master planning process a site options analysis was undertaken to determine the most appropriate location for the redevelopment.
An evaluation of the options determined that the existing hospital site was the most suitable location.
The new hospital will be built adjacent to the current hospital and will be raised up to maximise the views of the Darling River.
What will happen to the current hospital?
After extensive reviews, it has been determined that a new hospital will be built to replace the current hospital, which is over 80 years old and no longer fit-for-purpose. The detailed site investigations undertaken have identified that the current hospital buildings have significant termite damage, and it is not feasible to reuse these existing buildings.
Once the new hospital is fully operational, the existing hospital will be demolished. This will enable the construction of a new ambulance drop-off bay, and further landscaped areas for patients and their families.
Further engagement is being undertaken with the local community regarding how the history of the current building can be recorded and reflected in the new hospital building.
What services and facilites will be available at Wentworth Health Service?
The Wentworth Health Service will deliver high-quality, contemporary and accessible care. The full range of services to be delivered will be identified throughout the planning phase.
The redevelopment will support the services outlined in the Clinical Services Plan and there will be no decrease in current services, with the existing inpatient and ambulatory care services to continue to be provided.
The Wentworth Health Service Clinical Services Plan includes provisions for:
- An Inpatient Unit
- Primary Ambulatory Care (Community Health Services)
- Urgent Care Centre.
Is there room for expansion on the site?
Future planning and expansion opportunities are a key consideration in the development of the new hospital. This was one of the key reasons for choosing this site as it allows for expansion of services in the future.
What consultation will take place during the redevelopment?
Project User Groups (PUGs), including health service staff representatives, informed the design of physical spaces and made recommendations as to how they will work. Participation from user groups was important in the development of the design to ensure staff, patients and community representatives had input into the infrastructure.
Community consultation took place throughout planning and design, including the master plan, concept design, schematic design and statutory planning approvals. Information sessions and workshops gave staff and the community an opportunity to be consulted throughout the various stages of the redevelopment. Stakeholder feedback was incorporated into the preferred design options to provide the optimal vision for the new hospital.
Will the local Aboriginal community be engaged in planning and design?
Designing with Country has been been an important element in the project and Aboriginal Focus Groups were held to contribute to the design, with an Aboriginal Advisory Group now established. We will continue to consult with the local Aboriginal community through the Far West Local Health District, Local Aboriginal Land Council, Barkandji PBC, Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation and other organisations as appropriate.
What opportunities exist for Aboriginal employment and local employment on the project?
Health Infrastructure encourages the use of local subcontractors and staff as appropriate and where available. There will be opportunities for local people to work on the project during construction and these will be advertised by the Main Works contractor after they have been appointed.
Under the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP), the building contractor will be required to create a minimum level of Aboriginal employment opportunity throughout the project delivery nominated as part of the tender process.
When will the Wentworth Health Service Redevelopment be completed?
Construction is expected to start in early 2024 and main works are expected to be completed in 2025. A final program will be shared once a main works contractor has been appointed.
Will construction impact the provision of health services?
All current services will continue at Wentworth Health Service during the construction stage. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption and the community will be informed of any planned changes.
What happens if asbestos is found on site during construction?
Asbestos is common on construction sites throughout NSW. As is best practice, asbestos is best managed on-site in accordance with Environment Protection Authority rules and its removal is managed in accordance with SafeWork NSW regulations in strict accordance with all health and environmental regulations. Workers responsible for removing the hazardous material are licenced professionals, who are experts in asbestos management. The safety and wellbeing of our staff, patients and the community is our highest priority at all times.
How will people be informed about what's happening?
Progress, including milestones, will be shared on the project website, through project updates and newsletters, and through social media. Information sessions and workshops will be held throughout the planning and design process.
Where else can I get more information about the project?
For more information about the Wentworth Health Service Redevelopment please contact the Project Team by email at:
HI-Wentworth@health.nsw.gov.au or by phone on (02) 8838 8889
Updated November 2022