Planning has commenced for the upcoming $20 million Glen Innes District Hospital upgrade.
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Last week Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall took part in a meeting to further define what medical services should be included in the refurbished facility.
Hunter New England Health (HNEH) has started consultation on the hospital's future Clinical Services Plan, meeting with hospital staff, local GPs, community groups and Glen Innes Severn Council to gauge their priorities for the project.
Mr Marshall said aside from cash on the table this is the strongest sign yet the refurbishment of Glen Innes Hospital is imminent.
"This is the pointy end of planning, where HNEH goes directly to the key players to ask what medical services Glen Innes Hospital needs to successfully look after the future needs of the community," he said.
"Already, we know the refurbishment will include the demolition of the derelict, old nurse's accommodation to make way for a new staff accommodation.
"This is vital for addressing the current doctor shortage which is being experienced at the hospital.
"Further, I would like to see provision made for a new NSW Ambulance station on the hospital site.
"Following this consultation, the health district will put together a draft Clinical Services Plan which will be put to the Minister for Health for approval.
"I anticipate a Site Masterplan will also nearly be finalised by February next year, which should allow some construction works to begin after that."
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Mr Marshall said he is expecting the State Government will be forthcoming with the first tranche of funding for the $100 million Moree and Glen Innes Hospital redevelopments in the upcoming NSW Budget.
"All the noise coming from the Government is that money will be forthcoming to fast-track the site master planning for the $80 million new Moree Hospital and $20 million refurbishment of Glen Innes Hospital," he said.
"Having a Clinical Services Plan and Site Masterplan complete will be beneficial to providing a clear picture for Government on the exact funds needed for construction and future service delivery at these sites.
"One-by-one the hurdles continue to fall and I encourage both the communities of Moree and Glen Innes to maintain pressure in their fight to secure first class health facilities for their residents."
