Unique Veterans’ service for Concord Hospital

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The detailed plans for Concord Hospital’s new $341 million Clinical Services Building, featuring Australia’s first comprehensive centre for veterans and their families, have been unveiled.
 


Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Drummoyne John Sidoti toured the site of Stage 1 of the redevelopment, with the new Clinical Services Building boasting over 200 inpatient beds, an increase of 20 per cent. 

“Concord has a proud history of providing outstanding care for veterans. This one-of-a-kind service will support our diggers, young and old, and their families,” Mr Hazzard said. 

Mr Sidoti said The National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare centre replaces wards built in World War II and will deliver a range of health and wellbeing services. 

“This centre will provide substance and alcohol misuse programs, specialist pain management, a mild traumatic brain injury service, rehabilitation services and psychological wellbeing and family support,” Mr Sidoti said. 

Funding for the new Concord Hospital more than doubled in 2017-2018, with the NSW Government investing an extra $191 million on top of the $150 million announced in 2015. 

Concord is the official hospital of the Invictus Games, which showcases sport for injured veterans. 
Damien Thomlinson, who has competed in two Invictus Games and will be commentating at this year’s event, said the new centre would provide an invaluable service. 

“Veterans like myself experience a range of challenges when leaving the defence forces. Knowing where and how to get help with the ongoing treatment of injuries, pain, anxiety and other complications is a serious issue,” Mr Thomlinson said. 

The new Clinical Services Building will also link to the current hospital, and include new inpatient units for aged care and rehabilitation and a comprehensive cancer centre. It will also have additional outpatient consultation rooms and capacity for 48 infusion chairs. 

Demolition works at Concord Hospital are continuing on site and main works construction is due to start next year. 

To see inside the new Clinical Services Building, go to https://youtu.be/-gwUDW1QZx0