WORK to upgrade Tomaree Community Hospital’s emergency department (ED) is now underway.
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The upgrades were made possible after the 17-bed hospital was bequeathed a staggering $508,000 from a Nelson Bay family in December 2014.
Hunter New England Health chief executive Michael DiRienzo said the bequest from Tom and Rose Pearce, who died seven years ago, came with the condition that it was to be used to enhance the ED.
“I would again like to extend my gratitude and thanks to the late Mr and Mrs Pearce and their family for their extremely thoughtful and generous donation to Tomaree hospital,” Mr DiRienzo said.
“This project, which also includes a contribution from Hunter New England Health, will help us to provide enhanced facilities in the ED to better serve the Nelson Bay community and help to improve the operation of the hospital.”
Construction is now underway.
The work involves refurbishment and a minor extension to the ED to accommodate a new separate paediatric bed space, one acute care bed space, two open bay bed spaces and a new resuscitation area.
The ED will be expanded into the existing ambulance bay. A new covered ambulance bay will be built.
The works, by Patterson Building Group, are not expected to cause major disruptions.
It is expected the hospital will again be fully operational in September.