$13m upgrade for Hunter Valley hospital

Maitland Private Hospital has begun a $13 million expansion to meet rising demand for its mental health and oncology services.

Construction work has started on phase one of the project, which will increase the existing Barrington Clinic to 68 beds.

The revamped mental health care unit will include new patient areas, an open-air terrace, dedicated consulting rooms, extra therapy spaces, and additional car parking.

"We are pleased to provide increased capacity in the hospital for services that are so desperately needed in our region, and expect completion of the project in mid-2024," Maitland Private Hospital CEO Peter Cizzio said.

The Hunter Valley-based hospital's new Director of Psychiatry, Dr Chris Wellard, will lead the clinic along with a growing team of dedicated psychiatrists, mental health nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff.

"As demand for mental health services continues to grow, Dr Wellard and the team bring a wealth of experience to our region, that will ultimately see an improvement in access to quality mental health care," Mr Cizzio said.

Works to relocate and upgrade the hospital's oncology services will begin when the first phase is finished.

The redeveloped Maitland Cancer Centre will include an expanded 12-chair infusion lounge and dedicated medical and radiation oncology consulting suites.

The facility, which is part of the Healthe Care group, is operating as usual during the construction works but Mr Cizzio warned patients there would be some disruption to vehicle parking.

"As part of the development there will be an increase to the car parking options on site; however in the short term this will mean a restricted number of available parking spaces while the new car park is under construction," he said.

"Where possible, I urge patients coming to hospital to arrange being dropped off and picked up for ease of access during the construction period."

Read more: New cancer centre for Hunter Valley

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