A major concrete pour marks a construction milestone as the expanded mental health unit continues to take shape.
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Almost 860 tonnes of concrete is being poured on June 25.
That equates to about 60 truckloads of concrete in the main floor slab.
A celebration marked the occasion.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Health and Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said it was pretty significant to see such a large amount of concrete being poured to mark the highest point of this new facility.
“On behalf of the community, I want to thank everyone that’s been involved,” she said about the project.
“You should really all give yourselves a pat on the back.”
Supporters at the celebration wrote messages on a truss bound for the expanded unit’s roof structure and attached written messages on a magnolia tree to be planted in an outdoor area.
Mid North Coast Local Health District director of mental health services and integrated care Sara Shaughnessy said the service and the design of the service was built on a strong foundation.
“You can’t have a stronger foundation than this amount of concrete being poured,” Ms Shaughnessy said.
“It’s a representation of the Mid North Coast Local Health District’s commitment to partnership with the community.”
The $17.5 million project is on track for completion in mid-2019.
The expanded mental health unit will provide secure patient rooms with natural light, quiet spaces for relaxation, a multi-functional activity room, dining and lounge areas, dedicated staff stations, secure landscaped courtyards and an interview room.
Consultation with consumers has been a key component of the planning and schematic design phase.
Mrs Williams said the facility would double the number of beds in the mental health unit and expand the hospital’s capacity to care for both younger and older patients.