One of the first patients transferred to the New Maitland Hospital has given the $500 million state-of-the-art facility a big “thumbs up”.

Port Stephens resident Beatrice Mitchell was not only impressed by the latest premises, which opened this week, but praised the staff for its efforts.

“It’s really lovely,” she said.

“It (the room) has got a beautiful view, a modern bathroom, and lovely wide halls where they can put two trolleys side-by-side and not be constrained by space.

“I can see why people already rate it so highly.”

Being admitted to the New Maitland Hospital was probably the last thing on Beatrice’s mind when she met up with friends on Friday.

But, she’s thankful for its presence.

“I was playing bridge at Hawks Nest in the afternoon – and I experienced some pain in my chest,” she said.

“I felt really uncomfortable.

“I thought, on the way home, I’d better pop in and see a doctor.

“So, I did.

“They performed an ECG and told me they thought I had a little heart attack and that I should go straight to hospital.

“I rang an ambulance when I got home, packed my toothbrush, a nightie and a few things.

“They then took me to the hospital.

“It was a bit hectic because there were a lot of people who also needed assistance.

“However, I thought the staff (nurses and doctors) did a really good job.

“They checked in on everyone to make sure everything was right.

“That efficiency has continued across to the New Maitland Hospital.”

The transition of staff and patients to the Metford premises on Wednesday 19 January went very smoothly, according to Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) chief executive Michael DiRienzo.

“It involved 500 personnel across both sites, so it was quite a task,” he said.

“But, they worked together to move 96 patients using 15 transport vehicles.

“The Emergency Department (ED) at High Street is now closed and anyone needing emergency care should present to the New Maitland Hospital on Metford Road.

“This is a busy time for the team, so please only come to the new hospital if you need medical treatment.

“Patients from Maitland and surrounds can expect the same excellent level of care they’ve received for more than 175 years. 

“However, now, they’ll be in a modern and high-quality health facility.

“Co-created with our staff, the new hospital has been built to cater for the community as it grows and changes.

“When all services are transferred, the existing hospital will close.

“And, once the move is complete, the current facility is scheduled to be decommissioned.”

Information about the New Maitland Hospital, including a virtual tour, is available at www.newmaitlandhospital.health.nsw.gov.au

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