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Hospital Auxiliary President Frank Judge says the new hospital will be a good thing for the community.
The hospital shown in the concept plans will bring the Braidwood MPS up to speed with the 21st century as well as providing better facilities and employment for the town, he said.
“I think it’s quite good, it’s going to increase the residential aged care availability,” said Mr Judge.
“It brings the hospital, or the aged care bit, up to current requirements, which Narbethong unfortunately at the moment doesn’t [meet].”
“The hospital itself, because of the vintage of it, and the additions which have been made, basically doesn’t comply with modern requirements as well.”
“It should mean that we have a lot more modern facilities available to us.”
A new facility will require higher staffing levels, which should provide more local employment for Braidwood, Mr Judge says.
He would have preferred a bit more community consultation over the plans, but understands that the current concept plans will be subject to more consultation before the release of the final plan.
A spokesperson for the SNSWLHD has addressed concerns voiced by members of the community over plans for the redevelopment of the Braidwood Multipurpose Service.
Concept plans for the redevelopment were released two weeks ago, showing increased accommodation for aged care residents, new single inpatient rooms and a modern emergency department.
While many members of the community are pleased with the level of care the new facility will afford Braidwood, several members of the community voiced concern over certain aspects of the concept plans.
Concept plans show new staff accommodation in the place of Narbethong House, realising on community member’s fears that Braidwood will lose the home.
When initially interviewed Judy Robbins said that the facility provided a stepping stone for the elderly who needed assistance, but not institutional care.
“SNSWLHD has made it clear throughout this consultation that Narbethong House will remain in operation until the new aged care facility within the redeveloped Braidwood MPS is complete,” said the SNSWLHD spokesperson.
“Current residents within Narbethong House are guaranteed a place in the new 37 bed facility and will be moved in when the new aged care facility is operational.
“Narbethong House will then be removed from the site to make way for new staff accommodation facilities which are being built as part of the redevelopment,” the spokesperson said.
“SNSWLHD and Health Infrastructure have met with Narbethong House residents and a number of family members to discuss the proposed plans and gather their feedback.”
“The response was very positive, with many residents welcoming the move.”
Addressing concerns that over the future of current Narbethong residents, the spokesperson said that they will be guaranteed a place in the new 37 bed facility.
Residents will be moved in when the new aged care facility is operation, at which point Narbethong House will be removed from the site to make way for new staff accomodation facilities.
“SNSWLHD and Health Infrastructure have met with Narbethong House residents and a number of family members to discuss the proposed plans and gather their feedback. The response was very positive, with many residents welcoming the move,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also addressed comments that the community had not been adequately consulted about the MPS saying, “consultation began in 2016 focusing on staff and clinicians to better understand Braidwood MPS current models of care and to prioritise clinical services.”
Feedback sessions with Project User Groups including clinicians, staff, patients and community representatives, informed the concept plans.
Another Community Information Session will be held in October, to provide an update on the progress of the project.