Community health services in Maitland will have a new home after a location was recently secured in the town’s CBD.
The NSW Government has purchased a site at 535 High Street following a $22 million investment.
It’s understood the existing two-storey building will be refurbished to support best-practice models of care and provide a safe, welcoming environment for staff, consumers and residents.
When complete, amenities including adult, older person, child and adolescent mental health services; sexual assault services; and palliative care services will be relocated from the former Maitland Hospital site into the Maitland Community Health facility.
“This milestone means we are one step closer to delivering centralised and more accessible health care to the Maitland community,” Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said.
“The new location will be refurbished into a contemporary precinct that will offer world-class support.”
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison welcomed the news.
“I’m delighted to see community health services will soon be delivered from an easily accessible and modern health facility,” she said.
“Importantly, it’ll continue at the former Maitland Hospital until the new building is completed, ensuring people can access the services and care they need.”
Planning and design are underway, with a builder for the Maitland Community Health Facility expected to be appointed later this year.
On-site car parking will be available to staff and the community, with the building also conveniently located close to local shops and transport routes.
“We know health care only works when people can actually get to it,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.
“That’s why bringing services together in one place matters so much for the Hunter community.
“When they are closer to home, it takes the pressure off people having to travel long distances or juggle appointments across multiple locations – it makes getting care far more realistic for busy lives.
“So, this is about making sure communities in the Hunter aren’t an afterthought in the health system.”
The timeframe of the refurbishment will be confirmed once a builder is appointed.
- East Maitland Community Health Centre is not being relocated as part of this project
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