When you drive past the development site for the new $470 million Maitland Hospital, you will notice a lot has changed.

A Health Infrastructure NSW spokesperson has revealed to the Newcastle Weekly work is now progressing on the external façade and internal walls.

It comes after an announcement earlier this week that the hospital had reached its highest point in construction. 

The milestone was celebrated with a native water gum tree being craned onto the helipad, a tradition said to bring good luck to occupants of the hospital. 

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison noted that the helipad in itself was a significant inclusion in the new facility.

“The helipad was one of the features that was added to the original design following consultation with the community and Hunter New England Health,” Ms Aitchison said.

The new hospital will provide emergency care, chemotherapy chairs, surgical services, critical care, maternity services, paediatric care, cardiac catherisation, inpatient beds, mental health, palliative care, outpatient clinics and dental services.

“The new Maitland Hospital has been designed in collaboration with staff and the community to better meet the changing healthcare needs of the area,” the spokesperson said.

Almost 5,000 new jobs are being created as part of the hospital development, supporting the local community and workforce in challenging economic times. 

NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research, Brad Hazzard, said the new facility was desperately needed.

“The new Maitland Hospital development will transform healthcare for the Maitland and Hunter community, offering a wider range of services and significantly more beds and treatment spaces for the growing population,” he said.