The redevelopment of the Parkes Hospital is a wonderful opportunity for local businesses to register to be involved with the construction and fit out of the new Parkes Hospital.
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This could involve such areas as floor coverings, tiling, landscaping, painting, bathroom fixtures, metal work, carpentry, blinds, furnishing and more.
Parkes Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM said local businesses interested in providing services to the hospital can register with a company called Industry Capability Network (ICN).
“They role is to find suppliers and service providers who are equipped to meet the requirements of hundreds of projects across Australia and New Zealand, like the new Parkes hospital,” Cr Keith said.
Their objective is to source local products and services wherever possible and practicable.
- Parkes Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM
Anna Wyllie, Parkes Shire Council's Economic and Business Development Manager said the new hospital was more than a $72.5 million project.
“Economic modelling has shown that during the construction phase the project will have a $55 million direct value add to our shire's economy,” she revealed.
“To take advantage of this, local businesses need to register their expression of interest to supply products and/or services.”
Anna went on to say the registration process is a two-part process.
The first step is creating a company profile on ICN's website and the second step is completing a supplier questionnaire.
“Local businesses wishing to take advantage of this opportunity will need to visit the ICN gateway website http://gateway.icn.org.au to create a company profile.
“This should take approximately 30-40 minutes and will include details such as ABN, address, company description and work history.
“The next step is to fill in a Richard Crookes (who constructing the hospital) supplier questionnaire which can be found by using the ICN website address above and searching under opportunities for major projects in NSW.
“The EOI's close in the next few weeks so local businesses will need to get in quick to ensure they do not miss the cut off for these EOI's.
“Once you are registered you will also be notified of other major projects within the region,” Anna said.
“I would encourage all businesses in Parkes to at least have a look at the packages of works and take advantage of the investment in our economy that the construction of the new hospital will create,” the Mayor concluded.
Local residents have a wonderful opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the new Parkes Hospital.
Efforts are being made to form a Hospital Auxiliary, and a special meeting will be held this Thursday to hopefully form a committee.
The meeting will be held in the Education Centre of the Parkes Hospital at 5.30pm and local residents are urged to attend.
The original Parkes Hospital Auxiliary donated millions of dollars worth of equipment and extensions to the local hospital over about 80 years.
The volunteers also provided invaluable services to the hospital and patients during that time.
However for various reasons, the Auxiliary ceased to operate about 14 years ago.
Hopefully that is about to change, with Lachlan Health Service Manager, Liz Mitchell now keen to see the vital service re-formed.
The Auxiliary did a wonderful job for so many years, assisted by other groups such as Pink Ladies and church groups.
- Lachlan Health Service Manager, Liz Mitchell
“Not only did they donate vital equipment to the hospital, they provided funds and furnishings for new wards and most importantly, provided a trolley service and personal contact with the patients.
“These are roles which can play an important role once again with the Parkes hospital – especially with the new hospital to be completed by mid 2016.”
Liz said it was important that the Auxiliary was up and running by the time the hospital opens.
“Local residents will be able to make a valuable contribution to our brand new hospital and know that their efforts will be warmly received.
“I would envisage members could restore the trolley service, provide family contact, washing, letter-writing, completing paper work….things which will make life better for patients. Maybe even flowers.
“In many cases, male patients have very little contact with other males so maybe blokes could call in and have a talk,” Liz said.
“For female patients, such things as doing hair and nails.
“There are so many ways these volunteers could help out – and it would certainly be a wonderful community contribution.”
Liz said all money raised in Parkes and presented to the hospital is utilised for local facilities.
“I would like to stress this fact,” she said. “Everything raised stays in Parkes.”
