Construction of Stage 2 of the new Bonalbo Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) is progressing on schedule with completion of the project expected later this year, Member for Lismore Thomas George announced today.

Mr George today visited the new facility to speak with staff and view the progress of the second stage of construction.

Construction of Stage 1 commenced in January 2017 with the building comprising 15 residential aged care (RAC) beds, a 24-hour emergency department, acute inpatient beds, and outpatient and GP consultations rooms.

In April this year the Emergency Department, outpatient clinics and GP consultation room opened to the community. The RAC facility and acute inpatient unit are due to open at the completion of Stage 2, which comprises the ‘back-of-house’ staff facilities, kitchen, laundry, and staff accommodation required to support and operate the Multipurpose Service.

“The opening of Stage 1 in April was a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the old Bonalbo Hospital and Community Health Centre and I am pleased to see that it has been full steam ahead for the completion of Stage 2,” Mr George said.

“I have received a lot of positive feedback from both staff and community members regarding the new facility, and I am confident that this will be echoed once the residential aged care facility becomes operational later this year.”

The Bonalbo MPS project replaces the former hospital and community health building with a modern, integrated health facility providing residential aged care, 24-hour access to emergency and urgent care, inpatient beds, and allied health and community services.

Bonalbo MPS is part of a greater $300 million program of works to upgrade existing or build new MPS facilities in a number of rural and remote communities across NSW.

The MPS model tailors’ healthcare needs for the local community by integrating health, aged care services, and emergency services, to provide flexible health service delivery – from primary health care to acute and residential aged care.