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Orange hospital major development approved

NSW DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

10 January 2007

Orange hospital major development approved

The NSW Government has approved a $194 million redevelopment of healthcare facilities in Orange, Health Minister John Hatzistergos announced today.
Planning Minister Frank Sartor has approved the redevelopment as a Major Project. It will see Orange health services consolidated onto the Bloomfield Hospital site.
“Together with the $97 million Bathurst Hospital redevelopment, this represents a new direction for healthcare in the Central West,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
The approved redevelopment will include a total of 421 patient beds as well as:

A multi-storey general hospital building including a roof-top helipad

A new acute mental health facility building

A new secure mental health unit building

The refurbishment of existing buildings

A total of 1,020 car spaces on the site, improved car and pedestrian access from a new entry off Forest Road and turning lanes

Mr Hatzistergos said the landmark project would also generate more than 570 local jobs – including 250 construction jobs and more than 320 on-going healthcare jobs.
“This will be a major investment to the Orange economy, as well as its health system,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“Health services at the Orange Base and Bloomfield hospitals will continue during the construction period.”
The new general hospital will be built on playing fields north of the existing Bloomfield Hospital buildings. Only 6.7 hectares of the 59 hectare site will be affected.
“The majority of the buildings will be retained, but Ward 20 will be demolished to make way for parking and the secure mental health building,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“The NSW Government took great care to re-use parts of the existing hospital, and respect the historical significance of the site.
“As a result, wards 18, 19, as well as Amaroo and the Canobolas Clinic will be refurbished for administration, clinical services and rehabilitation functions.”
The Department of Planning sub-delegated planning and assessment functions to Orange City Council and the project was publicly exhibited between September and October last year.

Planning Minister Frank Sartor imposed 29 conditions of consent, including requiring NSW Health to contribute towards better public recreation on the Bloomfield site, to offset the loss of playing fields.
“Orange City Council was instrumental in the community consultation process and assessment of the proposal,” Mr Hatzistergos said.
“This project is a great example of local and State government working together to benefit the community.”

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au