15 May 2018
Work is progressing on the $20 million Barham Multipurpose Service (MPS) with the first stage of early works completed this week.
Member for Murray Austin Evans said the Barham MPS is part of the broader $300-million State-wide program of works to upgrade existing, or build new, MPS facilities in a number of rural and remote communities across NSW.
Mr Evans said Stage 1 involves the refurbishment of the theatre block to create temporary new aged care rooms and amenities as well as the demolition of Eliza House.
“The previous theatre block has now been repurposed as temporary accommodation for existing aged care residents from Eliza House, and the residents have moved in,” Mr Evans said.
“Cockram Constructions Australia has been successful in securing the Main Works Contract for the Stage 2 main hospital construction, which is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Up to 50 workers may be on site at any given time,” he said.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Chief Executive Jill Ludford said the progress of the Barham MPS is an important achievement for Barham and the surrounding communities.
“The purpose-built health service will work in partnership with Murray Haven Homes (MHH), an established Barham aged care provider to provide holistic care to this community,” Ms Ludford said.
The new Barham MPS will be built on the existing grounds on the corner of Gonn Street and Punt Road, with a new entrance from Punt Road.
The Barham MPS will be delivered from two connected but independent facilities. MLHD will provide acute health services, emergency department and community health services while MHH will provide expanded residential aged care services.
The new facility will incorporate:
- 24-hour care
- Inpatient services – six beds including palliative care
- Emergency services – two resuscitation/holding bays
- Triage room
- Interview room
- Treatment/consult room
- X-ray facilities
- Community Health services – four consult rooms and one interview room
- Community programs – meeting/activity room
- Staff accommodation – three single rooms
- NSW Ambulance – access for two vehicles
The Barham MPS will ensure our older residents experience supportive and seamless care as they move between community, residential and hospital based services, Ms Ludford said.
Ms Ludford also paid tribute to the extensive community consultation which has taken place over the past 12 months, ensuring that all members of the community had an opportunity to provide input to this exciting new facility.
“I would like to thank all the community members including the council, representatives from the Local Health Advisory Committee and Hospital Auxiliary and other members of the public for working to deliver this state-of-the-art facility,” Ms Ludford said.
“I would especially like to thank the Barham Medical Trust for all their hard work and support of the MPS project.”
The MPS model tailors healthcare needs for the local community by integrating health and emergency services to provide flexible health service delivery – from primary health care to acute and residential aged care.
Work on the new health service is set to be completed in late 2020.