Cobar’s new health service is on track to open in January

The new Cobar Health Service’s emergency department is well kitted out with all new equipment including a critical care camera to support patient care. Staff can use the
camera, which will be linked to various doctors and specialists to support patient care.

Cobar’s new health service is on track to be open to the public by the end of January 2020.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard paid a visit to Cobar last week to inspect the new facility which is “all but” complete.

Minister Hazzard was impressed with the Cobar’s “21st Century first class health facility” which he said “would deliver far better outcomes for the staff and therefore the patients”.

He said the co-location of the aged care services, acute, sub-acute and associated allied services made for an ideal regional health service.

The new health service, built adjacent to the old Cobar Hospital and Community Health building in Woodiwiss Avenue, connects with the Lilliane Brady Village aged care facility.

The new facility has a well equipped Emergency Department, has two critical care cameras to support patient care, a 10 bed Inpatient Unit and is fitted with new Medical Imaging (X-ray) machinery.

Community Health staff will also move to the new facility and will be co-located with dental, allied health, child and family health staff.

Provision has also been made for multiple specialised rooms which will be available for outreach services.

The new health service is fitted out with a multi-use gym (which can be used by patients and staff), has an increased capacity for renal dialysis and upgraded staff accommodation.

Health service patients will also have access to CT and breast screen services via a visiting mobile unit.

Artwork and signage that will be displayed throughout the building have been designed specifically for Cobar with community involvement.

Two courtyards are features of the new facility and include a dedicated Aboriginal courtyard. A low water usage landscaping design has been used with the potential to increase plantings in the future (subject to local water restrictions).

Staff have a corridor access to the adjoining Lilliane Brady Village which provides a physical link between acute health services and residential aged care services.