The $53 million upgrade of the Gunnedah Hospital has reached a significant milestone with the opening of the acute services building.

Patients, visitors and staff were welcomed to the facility from last week. The new acute services building will provide enhanced health facilities, including an expanded emergency department, birthing, maternity and inpatient unit, a dedicated ambulance entry and bays, landscaped gardens and courtyards, and new artworks.

Following the completion of construction in late 2025, final preparations have included training and orientation to ensure the new acute services building and staff are ready to continue to deliver high-quality care at the redeveloped hospital.

A community open day was held late last year, with an estimated 200 people touring the new building.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said after visiting the Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment project site in October, he is excited that staff and the local community now have access to this incredible health facility.

“This first-class health facility will support Gunnedah and surrounding communities now and into the future,” Mr Park said.

“The new acute services building provides new and enhanced healthcare services, ensuring staff are equipped to continue delivering safe, high-quality care for all patients.”

The new building is linked to the existing hospital building, and access will remain the same.

Ambulance access to the new emergency department is via Reservoir Street.

NSW Health advises that visitors and patients should use Marquis Street for access to the hospital main entry, inpatient unit, maternity (during business hours), day surgery, physiotherapy, dental and pathology; and Anzac Parade for access to the emergency department, maternity (after-hours) and medical imaging.

Ambulances will access the new hospital building from Reservoir Street.

A comprehensive relocation plan has been developed in preparation for the coordinated move.

The emergency department car park off Anzac Parade includes a new drop-off/pick-up zone and accessible parking options to enhance access to the new acute services building.

In addition to the Marquis Street and Anzac Parade carparks, there is off-street parking available on Reservoir Street and Anzac Parade.

The project has been delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District, with construction works by Richard Crookes Constructions.