The Western NSW Local Health District has announced that sterilising services for the Lachlan Health Service will be provided from the new Parkes Hospital when it opens in early 2016.
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General Manager, Southern Sector Sharon McKay said the decision was reached following an external review of the service model which carefully considered the feasibility of providing the service from a single point across both campuses.
“The decision is also consistent with international best practice as every health organisation across the world is consolidating sterilising centres because of the increasing infection control and quality standards and the cost of sterilising equipment,” she said.
Mrs McKay also announced a $200,000 investment in additional theatre equipment and instruments for the Forbes Hospital surgical service.
“This is an exciting enhancement for the Forbes Hospital and will not only support the continuation of the existing surgical service to the Forbes community, but will enhance it with access to new and improved equipment,” she added.
“We will purchase additional instrumentation and tools for eye surgery and more equipment to continue to support endoscopy, general and Ear Nose and Throat surgery.”
As part of the $113.4 million Lachlan Health Service Project, Forbes Hospital will also receive additional renal chairs, an extra Oral Health chair and enhanced imaging services (CT).
The LHS project will provide enhanced health services and improved service integration between the Forbes and Parkes hospitals to ensure better health outcomes for both communities now and into the future.
Lachlan Health has already integrated services across both towns with Forbes managing Renal and Pathology services for both facilities and Parkes managing Chemotherapy and now Central Sterilising.
“We have met with the staff and will continue to communicate with them about the changes.
“There will be no impact on service delivery or job losses,” she said.
The Lachlan Health Service Project is the result of an extensive consultation process during the planning phase with key hospital staff and clinicians, allied health and community representatives.
In order to deliver the Lachlan Health Service project, the NSW Government has provided $40.9 million to the Forbes Hospital redevelopment and $72.5 million to construct the Parkes Hospital on new site.
Construction at both sites is progressing well and scheduled for completion in early 2016.
