Advanced survey technology begins on $265 million Port Macquarie Base Hospital upgrade

SPECIALIST survey works are now underway inside Port Macquarie Base Hospital and around its grounds, as the early planning stage of its $265m upgrade gets underway.

These works involve the use of advanced, body-worn scanning camera technology to capture highly accurate measurements of existing hospital buildings, both internally and externally.

A Health Infrastructure spokesperson said the technology plays a critical role in guiding the detailed planning required for a complex hospital redevelopment.

“The new and efficient technology enables spaces to be measured in a few seconds, minimising impact to patients, visitors and staff,” the spokesperson said.

“The technology does not capture images of people and there will be no impact to hospital operations, or access to hospital spaces and clinical services while this work is carried out.”

The spokesperson confirmed that additional survey work inside and outside the hospital is proposed to take place in early February.

Master planning for the hospital upgrade is now nearing completion and has been shaped through planning sessions with key clinicians.

The sessions are said to ensure the future design supports optimal patient care and strong operational efficiency.

“This includes functional zoning to improve patient flow, staff movement, safety and value for money,” the spokesperson said.

Health Infrastructure will share the completed master plan with hospital staff, the local community and key stakeholders in the coming weeks.

The spokesperson said this next phase will provide opportunities for feedback to help shape the final design of the significant redevelopment.

“We look forward to sharing the master plan and hearing from staff and the community as we move closer to delivery,” they said.

Construction timeframes and the appointment of a builder will be confirmed following completion of the detailed design stages and planning approval.

The redevelopment represents a significant long-term investment in local health infrastructure and aims to support growing demand across the region.

By Sis HIGGINS