Nelson Bay is set to benefit from a state government election promise in the form of an $8 million “one-stop-shop” for health services.
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Planning is now underway to build a state-of-the-art HealthOne facility on the grounds of Tomaree Community Hospital.
John Barilaro, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, and Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced on Wednesday, November 22 that Port Stephens was one of eight locations around the state that will receive a HealthOne.
It comes as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to invest $100 million into out-of-hospital care. Click here for the state government’s 2015-2019 election commitment list here (see page 23 for the HealthOne commitment).
“The NSW Government is delivering on our election promise to provide state-of-the-art health facilities and services for patients both inside and outside of hospital,” Mr Barilaro said.
“These one-stop shops will not only make seeing doctors and other health professionals easier by bringing services closer to home, but will greatly improve health outcomes in vulnerable communities, particularly in regional and remote areas."
Eight existing HealthOne clinics around NSW will receive upgrades.
Port Stephens Duty MLC Catherine Cusack was joined by Mayor Ryan Palmer, councillors and Hunter New England Health representatives at Tomaree Community Hospital on Friday, November 24 to make the news official.
“This facility will greatly improve health outcomes for the Port Stephens community,” Ms Cusack said.
Services to be included in the Nelson Bay HealthOne are still in planning but current proposals include GP services, imaging, allied health services and dental.
Ms Cusack said the Bay facility has the added benefit of being directly connected with the hospital, which would see the community having to go to the one place for all of their health needs.
Cr Palmer said this made the clinic unique.
“The hospital will provide services in emergency situations while the new facility will provide integrated health services, which will help to keep people in their homes longer,” he said.
“The hospital site will be able to offer a whole suite of health services.”
The HealthOne announcement comes two weeks after Hunter New England Health confirmed x-ray services would begin on-site at Tomaree Community Hospital from February.
The x-ray machine, which for many years community groups called on the government to bring to the Bay, arrived at the hospital on Friday.
It will be installed within the hospital, ready to use by February, until the HealthOne is built. It will then be moved inside the facility.
Detailed planning and site investigations at the hospital are now underway.
It follows preliminary planning which identified the Tomaree Community Hospital campus as the best location for the HealthOne to service the peninsula and surrounds.
The HealthOne development will also deliver additional car parking at the hospital.
It is anticipated that construction on the new facility will begin next year.
Earlier, November 24:
An $8 million HealthOne clinic offering services such as dental, x-ray and general practitioners will be built in Nelson Bay, the NSW Government has announced.
The HealthOne will be built on the grounds of Tomaree Community Hospital.
Construction is expected to begin in 2018.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer joined Catherine Cusack MLC on the grounds of the Nelson Bay community hospital on Friday for the announcement.
“It has been modelled on the HealthOne at Raymond Terrace,” Cr Palmer said.
“What is unique about this one is that it is on a hospital site.
“The hospital will provide services in emergency situations while the new facility will provide integrated health services, which will help to keep people in their homes longer.
“The hospital site will be able to offer a whole suite of health services.”
The HealthOne announcement comes two weeks after Hunter New England Health confirmed x-ray services would begin on-site at Tomaree Community Hospital from February.
The Tomaree community has long called for x-ray services to be made available in the Bay area.
Speaking about Friday’s announcement, Cr Palmer said it appeared the NSW Government had been listening to the community.
“I think improved health services has been spoken about for a long time,” he said. “I think this shows that the state government has been listening. It’s a great time in Port Stephens at the moment for health services.”
Cr Palmer confirmed the x-ray machine arrived at the hospital on Friday.
It will be installed within the hospital, ready to use by February, until the HealthOne is built.
Imaging services will move into the HealthOne clinic once built.
A location for the HealthOne building has not yet been confirmed.
However, it is expected the demountable buildings on the hospital grounds would be removed to make way for it.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
