Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead is pleased to have met with members of the design team for stage 1 of the redevelopment of Manning Base Hospital which met in Taree.

Mr Bromhead said the design team’s visit to Taree is a major step forward in the delivery of stage 1 of the $20 million redevelopment of Manning Base Hospital.

“This is a very positive step in the process to upgrade the hospital that was made possible with the allocation of $1.35 million in this year’s State Budget,” Mr Bromhead said.

“It also shows that the NSW Government is getting on with the job of redeveloping the hospital in line with the commitment made by the Minister for Health Hon Gillian Skinner and myself in March.

“The appointment of the design team in early September was a crucial milestone in the process and the team is now working with Hunter New England Local Health District and NSW Health.

“This work will consider all future redevelopment requirements of the Manning Base Hospital campus and detailed planning and design will be completed on the stage 1 works.

“The planning process for a working hospital is very complex as its routine procedures must be maintained during the construction phase.”

Mr Bromhead said he is keenly anticipating the major economic impact that the hospital’s redevelopment will have in the Manning.

“The visit of the design team shows the NSW Government is on-track with vital preliminary work and flies in the face of those few people who claim the Government will not redevelop the hospital.

“Anyone who knows about construction work and finance understands the methodical steps needed to ensure the building process runs smoothly.

“What is needed throughout the redevelopment of Manning Base Hospital is a cool-headed and experienced team of experts, not those seeking to make mileage and political point scoring for their own personal reasons.

“I will ensure that the stage 1 upgrade is delivered on time and on budget and that the hospital is ready for further redevelopment work,” Mr Bromhead said.