CANOWINDRA’S HealthOne facility officially opened on Thursday 27 August, marking what local health professionals and politicians described as an important part of the town’s future.
The opening was attended by Western New South Wales Local Health District staff, healthcare professionals, community representatives, local councillors, State Orange MP Phil Donato and Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee.
Health service manager Matt McGrath said the purpose-built facility had been designed as an integrated hub, bringing different healthcare services together to better meet the needs of Canowindra and surrounding communities.
“From the outset this facility has been designed as an integrated hub for healthcare, bringing a range of services together to better meet the needs of the community,” Mr McGrath said.
He said discussions were currently underway with a number of primary healthcare providers about joining the HealthOne, with their involvement expected to further improve local access to healthcare.
Mr McGrath said the facility was designed to support healthcare workers as well as patients.
“It’s the people, it’s our staff that do the work of delivering healthcare,” he said.
The new facility is intended to bring community health and primary health services together alongside the hospital, allowing greater collaboration between healthcare teams and providing patients with a more connected approach to care.
Mr McGrath said the facility would support preventative healthcare, chronic disease management, community health services and multidisciplinary care.
Mr Donato said the modern facility, including its infrastructure, technology and additional space, could help attract and retain medical professionals in regional communities.
“It is a well-known fact, the further you move away from Sydney, the shorter your life expectancy is,” he said.
“Having a facility like this here in Canowindra to service the Canowindra community will go a long way to closing that gap.”
The State Orange MP also highlighted the potential for allied health professionals, GPs, primary health networks and telehealth services to work together through the facility.
Mr Gee said government spending on local health infrastructure was vital to the future of country towns.
“If we don’t get these upgrades, people move away,” he said. “That’s how country communities die.”
The opening also recognised the work of the project teams, builders, planners, healthcare staff, community representatives and partner organisations involved in bringing the HealthOne from concept to completion.
The official opening marked the completion of the latest stage in the redevelopment of Canowindra’s health facilities, with the new facility now providing a purpose-built space for healthcare services and future partnerships.
Mr McGrath said the site was ultimately about creating a healthier future for the Canowindra community.
“We celebrate more than a new building,” he said.
“We celebrate improved access to care, stronger partnerships, and better facilities for our staff and a healthier future for the people of Canowindra.”
