Residents of the Tweed will get their first look at the concept plans for the $582 million Tweed Valley Hospital, which were shaped by clinicians, staff and the local community.
Unveiling the images, the Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest, said today represents a significant milestone in the planning for the Hospital, which remains on time and on budget.
“The design team has come up with a vision for the site which fits in beautifully with the landscape and the environment and preserves the wetlands for future generations,” Mr Provest said.
“It’s a design the Tweed can be proud of, and it just goes to show what can be achieved on a blank canvas and without the restrictions of existing buildings.”
“The people of the Tweed deserve a world class hospital and a sympathetic and sophisticated design. By maximising access to natural light, the hospital is more attractive for staff, patients and visitors but improved light has also been shown to produce better clinical outcomes for patients.”
“We have listened to the feedback of clinicians, staff and the community in designing this hospital. What we have heard very clearly is that there is a pressing need for this new hospital. The current Tweed Hospital is operating at capacity, and there is no room to support any future development on the current site.” Mr Provest said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said Labor neglected the area when it was in government.
“Communities in regional NSW want the best health facilities wherever possible. The Liberals & Nationals are investing $582 million in the Tweed, and across the North Coast more than $280 million is being spent on improving health facilities at Lismore, Bonalbo and Pottsville,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The government is managing the economy efficiently and producing strong budget surpluses and that provides the funding for new hospitals as well as upgrades and rebuilds.”
Particular attention is being given to landscaping around the hospital. It will be in harmony with the existing environment and will create areas for patients, staff and families to enjoy.
Natural building materials to complement the surrounding area will also be considered as part of the next stage.
The internal layout of each service within the new hospital will be the focus of the next stage in the planning process.
For the new Tweed Valley Hospital images, including fly through http://tiny.cc/6svl2y