The state government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has begun the construction of the Canowindra HealthOne facility, a project that aims to deliver integrated healthcare services to the local community.
The facility will be located on the current hospital grounds and will feature modern spaces for a variety of multi-disciplinary healthcare providers, including general practitioners (GPs) and community healthcare services.
Its development will require a total investment of more than A$8m ($5.17m).
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said: “It’s fantastic to see construction underway on the new Canowindra HealthOne.
“With a range of healthcare providers on one site, this new health facility won’t just improve access to healthcare, it will also reduce the need to travel for our local and broader communities.
“I’m certain the Canowindra HealthOne will provide wonderful opportunities for healthcare professionals across a range of disciplines to establish themselves in a welcoming, friendly community.”
The initial phase of construction will focus on upgrading the roads and infrastructure around the existing hospital, ensuring the continuity of services and accessibility during development.
The entire construction process is anticipated to last around 12 months, with Zauner Constructions appointed as the primary contractor.
Canowindra Health service manager Matt McGrath said: “Our community has been involved in this project from the start, and I’d like to thank them again for their input during the planning and design phases.
“I’m thrilled to see construction start, and while there will be some minor disruption as you’d expect with any major redevelopment, we will do everything we can to minimise that where possible.”
Last month, the NSW government announced the start of construction of a palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital over the coming weeks.
Renascent Australia has been selected as the main works contractor for the project, which is part of the government’s A$93m ($60.59m) World Class End of Life Care programme.
