Work started on the project in 2012 and Mayor Miller said the opening of the new building in January was an exciting milestone for the community. “The refurbishment of Forbes Hospital has been a long time coming and we are very lucky because as much as it has been called a refurbishment, the Forbes community has a brand new hospital,” Mayor Miller said.
“The redevelopment of the ambulatory services is still underway and is expected to be completed in the coming months. “As part of the work, it was also terribly important for the community to keep the facade of the previous hospital. “I can only congratulate the architects on the way they have incorporated it into the new facility.”
Included in the $40.9 million development was a new emergency department, patient unit, birthing suites for maternity services, clinical support services including advanced medical imaging technology, an upgraded ambulatory care unit and expanded renal facilities.
Refurbishments of the ambulatory care unit and renal services are still ongoing, with completion of this expected in the coming months. The new building began use at the end of last year, but was officially opened on January 19 by Premier Mike Baird, Deputy Premier Troy Grant, Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Member for Orange Andrew Gee.
“With the hard work and dedication of not only our medical providers and doctors, but also through the support of the community, we have been able to maintain our services and have a wonderful new facility,” Mayor Miller said.
“The Councillors and I could not be happier. “We have worked very hard to attract doctors and health professionals to town through the building of the Apex Medical Centre, providing subsidised accommodation at the Jemalong Regional Education Centre and supporting Yoorana Gunya. “The number of doctors in Forbes is growing, which is the reverse trend in other rural communities, and it is because of the hardwork and dedication of everyone involved.
“Our new hospital is second to none and it was a very proud moment to be at the opening to see NSW Premier Mike Baird and Health Minister Jillian Skinner officially open the hospital along with NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant and Orange MP Andrew Gee.” Across the entire Lachlan Health Service, which includes the Forbes and Parkes hospitals, $113.7 million of hospital improvements funding has been spent.
Manager Liz Mitchell has overseen this New Forbes Hospital “Our ultimate goal is to improve the health
outcomes for our patients,” she said. “We can achieve this with better integration between Parkes and Forbes hospitals using our new and improved facilities and sharing of services.”
“This includes the hospital’s Inpatient and Ambulatory Care services (Ambulatory Care includes Community Health, Physiotherapy, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services, Renal and Dental Services) and the hospital and other community health providers such as General Practitioners and non-government organisations.”
Ms Mitchell said the people of Forbes could now access the highest level of care, whereas in the past this was not always guaranteed. She added the new facilities and technology would provide an improved patient flow, and more open and brighter spaces. “Now that the new building at Forbes is complete, work has commenced on the refurbishment of our Renal and Ambulatory Care units,” she said.
“With new and improved Ambulatory Care facilities at Forbes, we hope patients will see Forbes Hospital as a place that can help them stay healthy and live well, not just a place to visit when you are sick.”