HUNTER New England Health claims the Glen Innes hospital helicopter pad is “on track” despite confusion over the exact date design plans are to be submitted.
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The ongoing saga of whether or not a Heli pad would be built in Glen Innes was thought to be resolved last November when Hunter New England health agreed to meet extra costs associated with preparing a design for construction.
Hunter New England Health Capital Works Manager Brett Evans said nothing has changed since his department allocated the extra funds last year.
“As per the schedule, we are on track to receive the helipad designs by the end of February,” he said.
However, United Hospital Auxiliary spokesperson Jan Sharman said it was her understanding that Hunter New England Health would have a design completed by the beginning of February.
“We were of the understanding that they must have a design to give to the hospital auxiliary by early February,” she said.
“We are looking forward to receiving the design because that will enable us to call tenders so construction can go ahead.
“People in town have given so much over a long period of time for this to happen and the need is so great that we can only hope it’s on schedule.”
Fellow United Hospital Auxiliary spokesperson Sandra Kiehne said they are worried that the time frame for construction keeps getting moved.
“The goal posts keep getting moved along the way and now Hunter New England Health are saying we have to wait until the end of February for the designs,” she said.
“Hopefully that is when we will get them so we can go ahead and call for tenders in March.”
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said it was also his understanding that the designs were due to be handed over in early February.
“The people of Glen Innes have been very patient with this issue,” he said.
“The issue of money was resolved via the state government grant and I will be putting as much pressure as I can on Hunter New England Health so that the plans will get to the community on time
“I would not like to see any more delays because I know the community wants to get on with the task of building the much needed Heli pad.”