Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Member for Dubbo Troy Grant visited Forbes Hospital on Friday to inspect early works progress on the refurbishment of the building.
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The visit was part of a two-day tour in which Mrs Skinner viewed progress on hospitals in Western NSW including Dubbo, Peak Hill and the Lachlan Health Service Redevelopment which includes Forbes and Parkes Hospitals.
Mrs Skinner said the tour had been gratifying.
“My two-day tour of major hospital capital works projects underway in Western NSW has been immensely rewarding,” Mrs Skinner said.
“Troy Grant and I have viewed progress on the $91.3 million Dubbo Hospital redevelopment, inspected the work underway at the $12 million Peak Hill Multi-Purpose Service, turned the first sod for a $72.5 million hospital in Parkes and inspected progress on the $40.9 million refurbishment of Forbes Hospital.
“Along the way we have been privileged to meet the clinicians and other health professionals without whom these great hospitals would be nothing.”
Mr Grant said the Forbes Hospital was taking shape and progressing well.
“It was great to see the works progressing at Forbes Hospital last week,” he said.
“These much needed works are taking shape and I am just as excited as the community.
“It was amazing to see how quickly work has progressed and explains why everyone from staff, construction workers and the community are so excited.”
Mr Grant also said that the history and architecture of the hospital makes it unique.
“To be able to restore and keep the historic McLean building means the hospital will always have its character and history,” he said. “I look forward to watching it progress along and seeing the final work complete.”
Construction on the refurbishment of the McLean heritage building started last month and Lachlan Health Service redevelopment project officer, Deborah Hunter said the works were running to schedule.
“It’s progressing along nicely,” Ms Hunter said.
“The [McLean] tower has been restored, and they are now busy painting and landscaping outside and finishing off internal and external works.”
The new and refurbished sections of Forbes Hospital will include an emergency department, inpatient ward, birthing suites for maternity services, upgrade of Ambulatory care treatment area including expanded renal and dental facilities, clinical support services including medical records and medical imaging, and the refurbishment of the heritage building for office spaces.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2016.
