Member for Orange Andrew Gee was in Forbes to witness the first concrete pour for the $40.9 million redevelopment.

Mr Gee was joined by deputy mayor Graeme Miller, Lachlan Health Council chair Dan Herbert and representatives from the Western NSW Local Health District.

“This is a very exciting day for Forbes and a wonderful day for the community,” Mr Gee said.

“Health services are finally being brought into the modern age and country towns are getting the health services they deserve, which city people have taken for granted for many years.

“Country people have had second rate services for too long and this is part of the wonderful change being brought in for country hospitals.

“This is the culmination of decades of lobbying, so this is a satisfying day for the whole community.”

Since the appointment of Lahey Constructions in August 2014, work has progressed at a steady pace.

Thursday saw the first of three concrete pours which will take place over the coming months to form the foundations and floor slabs of the new building at Forbes Hospital.

This will be the main building for the new hospital, housing a new main entrance with an ambulance drop off zone, emergency department, medical imaging, maternity and inpatient unit.

To complete the ground floor slab, more than 200 trucks will deliver approximately 3,100 tonnes of concrete to the Forbes Hospital site which is the equivalent weight of approximately 600 African elephants.

In addition to the concrete pours, construction at Forbes Hospital redevelopment is also focused on the installation of in-ground services and fabrication of structural steel.

Forbes deputy mayor Graeme Miller said it’s great to see the progress being made at the hospital. 

“Forbes has been waiting a long time for this day and Forbes Shire Council are pleased with the results,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful facility for the town and a facility the town deserves.”

Cr Miller said it’s also great to see local contractors working on the redevelopment, with Forbes Concrete and Landscaping Supplies currently on site.

Lachlan Health Council chair Dan Herbert was also in attendance to witness the first pouring, which he said is a significant event for the town.

“This is the start of the future of the hospital that will service Forbes for many years to come,” he said.

Hospital staff are also excited about the progress, which Mr Gee said will ultimately result in a top facility which will keep and attract staff.

“This gives staff a great sense of excitement and makes them proud to come to work...it’s a morale boost,” he said.

Once completed the Forbes Hospital will deliver a state-of-the-art health service, which includes an emergency department, inpatient ward, birthing suites for maternity services, upgrade for community health/ambulatory care treatment area, expanded renal and dental facilities, clinical support services, the refurbishment of the heritage building for office spaces and a fully functional kitchen. It is on schedule to be complete in mid-2016.