“Impressive” was a common word bandied about last week during a sneak peek of the new $470 million Maitland Hospital.

From Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) chief executive Michael DiRienzo to Paterson federal MP Meryl Swanson and her Maitland state counterpart Jenny Aitchison, from the media reps to the specially-invited community members, everyone expressed a similar sentiment.

The state-of-the-art 339-bed facility at Metford is certainly one piece of “marvellous construction”.

More like a holiday retreat than a medical resource, it was designed to meet the growing health service needs for the region – and surrounding communities of the Hunter Valley – now and for many decades to come.

“I’m very proud to be the chief executive [today],” Mr DiRienzo said.

“I am sure it will serve the community for an extremely long time.

“Our staff has been hard at work preparing for this big move, which is on track for early 2022.”

Mr DiRienzo admitted patients could now expected to receive high-quality care in a modern, comfortable environment featuring a mix of one and two bedrooms.

“I must say, we’ve done a great job in making, what sometimes is not such a pleasant experience for those admitted and community members, it a lovely, lovely setting – with a gorgeous outlook and exquisite accommodation.

“Each room boasts an en-suite and nice large windows, which allows plenty of natural light.

“People can take in the views of Maitland while they recover.

“That plays a big role in someone’s wellbeing.

“The hospital will provide expanded facilities for surgery, maternity and paediatric care, along with renal dialysis, oral health services and outpatient clinics, to combat the increasing demands of the community into the future.

“We’ve put a lot of focus on outpatients and how to add value into our health care.

“There’s also space for a new 12-chair chemotherapy service, an MRI and an additional CT scanner, as well as a purpose-built Early Treatment Zone (ETZ) in the Emergency Department (ED), which means patients can be assessed and treated more efficiently.

“We have a rooftop helipad, too, with panoramic views.

“That will connect patients directly to the hospital – and speed up the treatment process.

“That’s a masterpiece in itself.”

Mr DiRienzo said the employees deserved much of the praise as well.

“All of this wouldn’t be possible without them,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“They’ve had a big input into the hospital design.

“It ensures the end product is one that meets the needs of both our staff and our patients.

“But, it would be remiss of me not to mention the old Maitland Hospital.

“It’s served the community for more than 175 years.

“So, it will be a milestone event when we bid it farewell.

“However, I’m confident the new facility will allow our medical staff to provide the best possible care for our patients and help them recover in an environment that meets all of their needs.

“We’re excited about the transition.

“It’s going to be a big task to move the patients.

“But, I’m positive it will run very, very smoothly.”

Ms Aitchison described the new hospital as an “outstanding facility”.

“I’m proud of everyone in our community who has contributed to this,” she said.

“We have all played a role, working hand-in-hand with the Maitland Community Unions Alliance and all the other local groups to ensure it remained in public hands.

“We have fought for additional services and equipment; and we will continue to fight for these and better transport links as we continue.

“But, for today, I am delighted with what I saw last week, and what our community has achieved over the past 10 years.

“It will be a lasting legacy to the strength of collective action: the people’s hospital.

“While it is a series of buildings, it is the many people who work within it, the patients who heal there and the community that supports it which make the difference.

“Maitland residents are the best and I know our new hospital will be the best in our state.”

The community should visit www.newmaitlandhospital.health.nsw.gov.au/ to access a virtual tour, learn more and ask questions about the new hospital.

They can also register for a live information online session on Tuesday 14 December, from 1.30pm, where answers will be provided.

“The open day is an opportunity for everyone to take a look inside the hospital and tour areas that would usually be off-limits to the public including the operating theatres, intensive care unit and the rooftop helipad,” Mr DiRienzo said.

“It’s also a great way to gain insight into how the facility was designed and hear about the new and expanded services that will be available when we open the Maitland Hospital in January.”

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