Port Stephens HealthOne is now operational following the completion of stages one and two in the construction of the $8 million Nelson Bay-based medial hub.
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The third stage of construction works, which includes demolishing the existing medical centre on the grounds of the Trevally Street site, next to Tomaree Community Hospital, is underway with the full project due to be completed in the first half of 2020.
"The new HealthOne has the benefit of being directly connected with the hospital, which means the community can go to the one place for most of their health needs," Taylor Martin MLC, the Liberal Member of the NSW Upper House for the Hunter, said after visiting the HealthOne this week.
"The new area is now in operation, and GP and community health staff are already seeing patients in the new, modern, purpose-built facility."
The HealthOne NSW program aims to create a "stronger and more efficient primary and community health care system" that allows "General Practitioners to work with community health providers and other health professionals in multidisciplinary teams", Mr Martin said.
He added that Port Stephens HealthOne will deliver services tailored to residents of the Tomaree Peninsula including general practice (GP) medicine, medical imaging, community nursing and allied health, mental health, child and family health, pathology and dental services.
"The next stage of works has already begun, and involves the demolition of existing demountable community health and medical centre buildings," Mr Martin said
"The final stage four works will connect the new HealthOne extension with the existing Tomaree hospital.
"This work will include refurbishment and integration of the existing Emergency Department waiting area, hospital entrance and reception, triage and consult room."
The NSW Government announced that a HealthOne would be built on the grounds of Tomaree Community Hospital in Nelson Bay in November 2017.
A contractor, Graph Building, was appointed to carry out the construction work in November 2018. Parliamentarians celebrated the milestone with an official sod turning ceremony at the site.
In August, the roof was placed on the main building, 'topping out' of the project's construction.